LAUNCH EXPLOSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 289, 6 December 1928, Page 9

LAUNCH EXPLOSION.

MAN SEVERELY INJURED.

NELSON WHARF SENSATION.

BENZINE FUMES CAUSE THE TROUBLE.

A loiirl explosion in the vicinity of the Nelson Street wharf attracted considerable attention this morning shortly before six o'clock. There was a rush of people to the waterfront, and flames and smoke were to be seen issuing from the fishing launch Huana, which wa3 lying alongside the wharf. A call was immediately sent to the City Fire Brigade, and an engine was promptly on the spot. The waterfront police were also communicated with. Meantime a man's cries were heard from the launch, and willing hands helped him to get ashore. His name ■was John Sanderson, and he was in a state of collapse. Another man who ■was with him at the time, and whose name cannot be ascertained at present, escaped unhurt. Sanderson was immediately taken to tho hospital, where he was found to be suffering from very severe burns about the feet and legs, as well as shock. It appears that the explosion was caused by a lighted match coming in contact with benzine fumes. The Fire Brigade soon suppressed tho outbreak. The internal arrangements in the launch wcro severely damaged, although the hull appeared to be undamaged. Mr. Sanderson, who owned the Huana, supplied the Auckland Fisherman's Cooperation, by whom she was chartered. Ho has had misfortune with his fishing ventures. About twelve months ago he lost another launch by fire whilst fishing off Tiritiri. He then purchased an interest in the Huana, but before he did so two fishermen had been lost from her whilst engaged fishing in the Gulf. On inquiry at the hospital this afternoon it was learned that the injured man was progressing favourably.