At a conservative estimate, the loss of life in the Praya fire in Connaught Road West is set at 40, but many more bodies are expected to be picked up all around the Island when the sea which swept them away brings them back. The fire broke cut when a wire fused, and the terriflc winds spread the flames along the whole block of three storey houses. The tremendous winds made the task of fighting the flames almost impossible, while heavy seas, plunging over the Praya into the streets, imperilled the firemen, who were frequently waist-deep in water. The strong jets of water from the hoses was swept away like spray and it was over five hours before the fire could be said to be under control, Although the loss of life at sea end in the harbour was negligible, the loss in ships was high. Ships which are believed to be almost total losses include the An Lee, which has a broken back; the Kausing, a total wreck on Ching Hue Island; the Kwangchow, which carried mails for Shanghai and is now thought to be a total wreck on South Lamma Island; the yacht Shenandoah, which sank in the harbour; and the Tilamba, which is aground in Lyeemun Pass, with her bow under water.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.