Oil field boiler explosion (Signal Hill), 1951

3 images. Oil field boiler explosion (Signal Hill), 15 October 1951. D. Bert French -- 63 years (injured boiler fireman); General view of scene of explosion, California Avenue and Thirty-Second Street, Signal Hill Field).; Caption slip reads: "Photographer: Emery. Date: 1951-10-15. Reporter: Emery to Dessick. Assignment: Oil field steam boiler explosion, California Ave.-32nd St., Signal Hill Field 10:50 p. 10/14/51. 8, 9, 5: Scene of explosion while critically inj. boiler fireman D. Bert French, 63, of 115 East Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, lies scalded waiting for ambulance. Closeup shot shows ambulance men of Signal Hill city ambulance crew, aided by oil field workmen, gently lifting French to stretcher. In long shots, huge steam columns in background are high pressure steam from lines raptured by blast; French lies at edge of road, men clustered around him, left center. Debris in picture is what's left of boiler. Other boilers of battery, some damaged, at left background".