A routine speed run off San Diego turned deadly aboard the United States destroyer Kilty when a steam pipe burst under pressure.
The vessel was running under forced draught when live steam suddenly tore through part of the ship, fatally scalding two sailors and badly burning several others.
By the time the destroyer returned to dock, the injured were rushed to the naval hospital at Balboa Park, but two machinist’s mates could not be saved.
The accident left Clarence B. Lambeth and Clarence Joseph Lanzell dead.
Two Sailors Are Fatally Scalded
SAN DIEGO, California. — Two sailors were scalded to death and two others so badly burned it was necessary to remove them to a hospital when a steam pipe on the United States destroyer Kilty burst while the vessel was on a speed run near San Diego Saturday.
Clarence B. Lambeth, chief machinist’s mate, and Clarence Joseph Lanzell, machinist’s mate, second class, are the dead.
Adolph Nuezch and T.F. Carroll were burned severely and were taken to the naval hospital at Balboa Park as soon as the destroyer docked.
The explosion occurred while the Kilty was running under forced draught, it was said.
Several other sailors were burned by the live steam.
Source: The Chattanooga News. Chattanooga, Tenn. February 23, 1920.
