Survivor of New London disaster calls upon congressional Texans on Anniversary of death of 294 schoolmates. Washington, D.C., March 18. Miss. Estella Lea, 16, one of the survivors of the New London, Texas, school explosion which claimed the lives of 294 children two years ago today, today called upon Texans in Congress. Rounding up Rep. Beckworth and Pat Connolly, they went to see Vice President Garner. Left to right - Rep. Lindley Beckworth, Estella Lea, V.P. Garner, and Senator Pat Connolly, 3-18- 39