EXPLOSION AT GASWORKS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29820, 12 May 1962, Page 19

EXPLOSION AT GASWORKS

Three Men Suffer Minor Burns

(From Our Own Reporter) NELSON, May 10.

The manager of Nelson gasworks, Mr J. Walker, was in telephone conversation at 10 o’clock this morning with the Chief Fire Officer, Mr W. H. Oliver, when a fire broke out in the building, and business talk gave way to a cry for help. A minor explosion had occurred in the brick-built governor house, after ignition of a gas leak. The Building is only 25ft away from a 250,000 cu. ft. gas holder.

Part of the interior of the building was gutted, and three maintenance men, engaged in overhauling the governor, suffered superficial burns. Messrs R. Mockler and K. Bradfield, who were working chest-high in the governor pit were protected from the explosion by the fact that they were wearing masks. A third man, Mr E. Ladds, who was standing outside the pit, was burned about the face and had his hair singed. He was taken to Nelson Hospital- for treatment and later sent home.

Prompt action by the brigade under Fire Officer Oliver resulted in the fire being brought under control within 15 minutes. The city engineer (Mr C. I. Kidson) said that although the potential risk was great, there was not serious danger.