I found a reference to what may have been a explosion at a Catherall mill (spelt Catterall) but cant confirm this and not sure where to go. Obviously this is something I'd like to know more about
London Standard (Monday, 31 March 1856)
TERRIFIC EXPLOSION – SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED, AND PROBABLE LOSS OF LIFEYesterday the inhabitants of Shoreditch, Bethnal-green and Mile-end were painfully excited, in consequence of a tremendous explosion taking place in the extensive range of premises belonging to Messrs. Catterall, the steam saw-mill proprietors, situate in Club-row, Bethnal-green, which has been attended with a great destruction of property, and serious, if not fatal, consequences to a great number of persons.
From careful inquiries made, it appeared that the Messrs. Catterall had for some time carried on business as saw-mill proprietors, and the steam-mill and boiler-house extended from Club-row behind the houses in that thoroughfare, as well as to the rear of the dwellings in Slater-street and Bacon-street. The machinery had up to yesterday worked very smoothly. However, yesterday morning a noise resembling a clap of thunder was suddenly heard, and at the same time the ponderous engine, weighing some tons, was forced from its bearings horizontally and projected a distance of 75 feet, knocking down in its progress the back walls of several houses in the adjoining streets.
The steam generated in the boiler entered the premises of Mr. Snoding, and knocked several children down, and severely scalded one, who was removed to the hospital, where he remains in a very precarious state. A little boy was rescued by Mr. Snoding from the first-floor window, but none of the children could be identified, owing to the rubbish and dust with which they were covered.
A man named Knight was in the boiler-house writing a letter at the time of the explosion, and his mother was standing at his side, when she was blown completely under the boiler into the basement against the brick wall. Fortunately the poor creature, although terribly frightened, was not much hurt.
From 20 to 30 other persons were also injured by the rush of steam from the boiler, and two or three had their heads laid open.
The persons who were most severely injured were taken to the London and St. Bartholomew’s Hospitals.
The daughter of a dairyman, named Trevallion, in Bacon-street, was, whilst partaking of her breakfast, knocked down by the sudden pressure of the steam, and was so severely scalded that she was obliged to be taken to the hospital.
Four children in the same house were completely prostrated by the force of steam that entered the first floor, and they were also rescued by the neighbours.
As to the origin of the misfortune, not the least information of a positive character could be obtained.
