EXPLOSION IN TAKAPUNA

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29384, 10 December 1960, Page 14

EXPLOSION IN TAKAPUNA

Match Ignites Leaking Gas

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 9.

Startled shoppers scattered in Hurtsmere road, Takapuna, tonight as four large manhole covers were hurled from their mountings when a lighted match touched off a leaking gas main.

People in shops scrambled for the doors as the covers blew up in a succession of shattering roars. No-one was injured. “It was just like a battery of 25-pounders firing,” said Mr J. Baxter, a hairdresser. “Apparently a group of young chaps were standing around and one lit a cigarette, threw the match down and away she went.”

The first manhole went off about 8.15 p.m. outside the Fifth Avenue Jewellers. “The place was full and then all of a sudden everyone disappeared,” said Mrs E. Elrick, the wife of the proprietor. “I thought the end had come. People were running everywhere so I ran outside and down the road.”

Shoppers poured out of doorways as the explosions followed in rapid succession. The police and the North Shore Fire Brigade were called. The brigade stood by until the arrival of technicians from the gas company.