Tyler, Texas – Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler opened a day early to cater to the mass casualties and injuries caused by a tragic gas explosion that occurred 87 years ago in New London, Texas.
On March 18, 2024, at 3:17 p.m., Taps played to honor the memory of the almost 300 people who lost their lives and the many others who were injured in the devastating explosion in a school in New London, one of the deadliest disasters in the state’s history.
The Cenotaph in New London stands as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, with cross markers honoring the students who perished that day. The names of these young souls are engraved on the stone memorial, a poignant tribute to their lives cut short. Following the explosion, many of the injured were rushed to Mother Frances Hospital, now known as Christus Trinity Mother Frances, which opened its doors a day ahead of schedule to provide immediate assistance to the hundreds of casualties.
Sister Malgorzata Majszczyk, also known as Sister Margo, shared her experiences as a chaplain at Christus Trinity Mother Frances, recounting the heartbreaking stories of the day of the explosion as told by her fellow sisters.
The gas explosion was triggered by odorless natural gas seeping into the school building, ignited by a spark from an electric sander in a classroom shop. The resulting blast caused the school’s partial collapse, trapping numerous students who sadly lost their lives in the rubble.
In response to the urgent call for help from New London, the sisters at Mother Frances Hospital wasted no time in opening their doors to the injured, illustrating their unwavering commitment to serving those in need during times of crisis. The community rallied together, with medical professionals from across the region rushing to provide aid and support at the hospital.
Historical markers within Christus Trinity Mother Frances commemorate the selfless efforts of the doctors and nurses who came together to assist those affected by the tragedy. The hospital’s vice president of mission integration, Andy Navarro, emphasized the collective response of the community, highlighting the unity and compassion that defined the rescue and recovery efforts.
Reflecting on the events of 1937, Sister Majszczyk emphasized the enduring faith and dedication of the sisters who cared for the injured children with love and compassion, a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to healing and serving others during times of great adversity.