The New York Times (March 26, 1944)
Vesuvius eruption killed 26 Italians
Many deaths caused by collapse of ash-laden roofs
Naples, Italy – (March 25)
The toll in the worst eruption of Mount Vesuvius since 1872 rose to 26 today with the recapitulation of reports from outlying districts by Lt. Col. James Kincaid, AMG Commissioner for Naples Province.
Roof cave-ins caused by piled-up volcanic ash caused 12 deaths at Nocera and nine at Pagani, both in the Salerno region. Falling fragments killed three persons at Terzigno on Tuesday.
The eruption was apparently over today. From this city the volcano appeared sullen and ugly, with a vast trail of lava dust spreading heavily to the southeast and the Salerno region. Persons who rode through the area came in looking prematurely gray.
Col. Kincaid retained his field headquarters and kept a close watch on the resettlement of the evacuated towns. He also prepared to received further reports of a still greater toll.