Jan. 31, 1903 McDonald PA Outlook Explosion at Noblestown Henry HIGHFIELD, 43 years of age and W. E. AVERY, aged 45, were terribly cut and bruised and are in a serious condition as the result of the explosion of a gas engine at the pumping station of the Midland Oil company, a mile from Noblestown, late Thursday. HIGHFIELD and AVERY were working some distance from the station when the engine stopped. They hastened to learn the cause and just as they entered the building the explosion occurred. Both were blown from the building, their clothing aflame. Other workmen came to the rescue and cared for the injured men. The fire destroyed the station and much valuable machinery and tools. The loss will aggregate several thousand dollars. The cause is a mystery.