BOILED BURSTS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 11

BOILED BURSTS

SEVERAL PEOPLE INJURED

Several persons were injured and were fortunate in escaping more serious injury when a high-pressure boiler used for the hot-water supply at the Empire Hotel, Waiuta, exploded about 0.30 a.m. on Thursday. The explosion is thought to have been due to the freezing of the water pipes. When it occurred, ‘ Mrs J. J. Ryan, wife of the proprietor, was standing in front of the stove and was severely burned about the body and is suffering from shock. She was removed to the Reeftoh Hospital, after receiving attention from Dr. Brokenshire, and is reported to be progressing satisfactorily. . Mr H. Reich, a pensioner, who has meals at the hotel, suffered a severe cut. on the head. The proprietor (Mr Ryan), Miss D. Willis (a waitress), and Mi* J, Fisher suffered minor injuries to the face and head. Messrs L. Wilson and T. Cameron'Buffered slightly from shock. Most of those injured were having breakfast in the dining-room when the explosion occurred. Both the kitchen and dining-room were wrecked. The force of the explosion may be gauged by the fact that the cylinder was . blown some 50 yards away. Exceptionally heavy frosts have been experienced at Waiuta of late.