Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Three Jews Dead in Chongrad Bomb Outrage

January 2, 1924
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

All persons concerned in the bomb outrage at Chongrad several days ago, resulting in the death of three persons and the injury of scores of others, have been arrested, states an official report.

The report discloses the bomb was thrown by a 24 year old farmer named Sinko and that the organizer of the anti-Semitic conspiracy was Acting First Lieutenant Piroskau. Among Piroskau’s accomplices from the ranks of the Awakening Magyars were Zubak, a teacher; Kastell, an engineer; and two farmers Sagi and Eorgo; the merchant Piroskau and Boellosnyi, without occupation.

A large store of explosives and cartridges has been found, the police announce.

According to an official report, one Jewish victim died instantly, and another died several days later as a result of the wounds. The seriously injured include Dr. Hermann Fuchs, a lawyer; his son and two daughters; a young Jew named Tobias, whose right arm was blown off; two daughters of Dr. Gross, also an advocate; the pharmacist Krizon and two women physicians, Drs. Vida and Stefania Feher.

The town and state of Chongrad are in turmoil, reports the special investigator of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency who arrived on the scene, his investigation discloses that there were 250 guests at the charity ball arranged by the Jewish Women’s Society at the Hotel Koenig-von-Ungarn. Everything was going smoothly at the dance until suddenly at the stroke of midnight during the opening of the quadrille a hand grenade came flying through the window. The ballroom was torn up and the hotel practically collapsed.

Groups of persons were found lying in pools of blood when the panic subsided somewhat. Fortunately there were four uninjured women doctors who were able to render first aid. Imperative operations could not be performed because there was no hospital in Chongrad.

The victims of the explosion include several non-Jews, among them a member of the orchestra Farkas, and a servant girl named Julie Nagyanes who was attending the ball with her employers.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement