THUNDERSTORM IN SYDNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 59, 8 March 1912, Page 7

THUNDERSTORM IN SYDNEY.

AWE-IHSPHUJTG SCEHEsV. TONGUES OF FLAMES. A terrifying experience befell a unwl who vrere shattering under toe verandahs it the intersection of George and Bath-nxst-streets, Sydney, on Tfaiumday, the 29th alt., when, at about S3 minutes past 3 o'clock, a ball of ftre fell, aecompanied by a deafening srash. It wu a terrifying moment, ana everyone vu partially blinded and dased. An Addison-road car, which was proceeding eirywards, met the full force of the -current, and vw envelopsd in flames and bluish smoke. A strong sulphurous smell was also apparent. Tie car was full of passengers, and a frantic rush was made for the footpath. It wan noticed that the overhead wires were severed, and lay on the roadway, whilst the current was licking the kerbing, wot fortunately the crowd had rushed out of barm's way, otehrwise a catastrophe must have occurred A bystander stated that he was half dazed by the shock, and was unable for a moment to realise the terribleness of it. The ball, he said, had apparently struck the overhead wire being conducted through the pole of the car to the '•arth. at the same time enveloping the L.-am with an eerie haze of bluish-colour - !ed flame. The tram was thought to ha lon fire. When the smoke cleared it was i noticed that the paint word was charred, and the wood blocking on the roadway damaged. A breakdown gang was without delay at the spot, and the traffic was in full swing in under half an hour. Mr J. J. Riley, managing and governing director of Messrs Riley Brow., LtcL, who saw the ball of fire strike the street, described the scene as one never to be forgotten. '"At about half-past three," be said, 'T was standing at an upstairs -window, watching the storm gathering in its firry, when suddenly I was startled to see a large ball of fire descend from the leaden sky. It vu aaeoMpamwf simultaneously with a teniae crash of thunder. The next minute our place was in darkness, and I could see flames leaping from a car standing at the corner of George and Ba-thurst-street*. It satined to be enveloped in a bluish-coloured fire. Tongues of flame leapt skyward and played about the buildings. It wag a terrific crash, and an exodus took place from our shop. There was a general feeling of alarm. It seemed for a moment as if the end of all chisg» had come, and a great many people were scared. In our place when the lights went oat the current played around the various electrical fittings, aad a strong smell of sulphur was noticeable. When the flash struck the ear it severed the overhead wires, which were thrown on to the roadway, and it is to be marveled at that no one was struck. It wan the most severe storm I had ever experienced." Another tram was struck at the intersection of Pitt and Bat ha rat streets at practically the same m«silent as one in, George-street. A long tongue of flame I flew out from the overhead wire, and a | large amount ad bine-coloured smoke issued. It was a terrible crash, aad the passengers received a severe shaking, I I but no damage was done to the car be- j I ytrad Wowing out the fuses. The passen- | j gers stated that the flash was partien-1 I Izrry vivid. One of the asenpants, fearI ing that the car would catch fire, 'pawned j ' to tie fire brigade, who found that their services "were not needed. The ear sw uadanmged- ~ s _. ~__ , 1