I'm currently reading "Big Wonderful Thing: A History of Texas" and the author just covered the New London, Texas school explosion on March 18, 1937. Almost 300 students and teachers were killed in the blast that was caused by a leak in a natural gas line. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it but until now I've never heard of this disaster and I've always prided myself on my historical knowledge. I did a quick search online about it and found an article in which it's stated that this event is not well known in Texas or abroad. The author stated this is because, for the most part, the citizens of New London rarely spoke of the event with outsiders.
Interesting factoid... Adolf Hitler sent the citizens of New London a condolence telegram when he got news of the explosion.
Interesting factoid... Adolf Hitler sent the citizens of New London a condolence telegram when he got news of the explosion.