On a fateful day in 1937, the town of New London, Texas, experienced a devastating tragedy that still haunts the community to this day. The oil industry had brought prosperity to the town, shielding it from the effects of the Great Depression. However, with the rapid growth and wealth came a lack of safety regulations and the disregard for potential consequences.
The New London School District, benefiting from the oil money, had built an impressive school building in 1932. In a cost-cutting measure, the school district tapped into a residual gas line owned by Parade Gasoline Co., unaware of the potential dangers of using unrefined gas. The odorless gas began seeping into the school, unbeknownst to the students and faculty.
March 18 seemed like a typical day at the school, with over 500 students and 40 teachers going about their daily routines. Tragedy struck when a spark from a sander ignited the cloud of natural gas, instantly destroying half of the building. Chaos ensued as parents, police, and firefighters desperately searched for survivors amidst the rubble.
The death toll reached 319, devastating countless families and leaving the community in shock. The school district and Parade Gasoline Co. faced over 70 lawsuits, but a judge dismissed all of them, denying justice to the victims and their families. However, this tragedy did lead to important safety regulations in Texas. The state passed laws requiring an odor to be added to natural gas to detect leaks, licensing engineers to ensure safe gas lines, and implementing fire drills in schools.
The school was eventually rebuilt, and a memorial was erected to honor the lives lost. A museum near the explosion site serves as a reminder of the tragedy, curated by a survivor. The New London school disaster has been documented in books and documentaries, preserving the memory of those who suffered. While physical wounds may have healed, the emotional scars remain for both families and the community.
Source: Ken Bridges, Amarillo Globe-News
Read More: The New London School Disaster of 1937