Explosion Before Factory Gutted

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30725, 14 April 1965, Page 1

Explosion Before Factory Gutted

(New Zealand Press Association)

MASTERTON, April 13.

Four people are dead and four are in hospital after an explosion and fire which wrecked the workroom of a button-making factory in Masterton today.

Inspector A. G. Manson, of Masterton, said the names of the dead could not be released tonight. The list of employees was still being checked late tonight.

Three of the dead are women, one a man. The explosion blew out part of a wall in the central section of the factory of General Plastics (N.Z.), Ltd., Dixon street, and came when most of the staff of more than 70 were at afternoon tea in the canteen adjoining the workshop.

Had the blast occurred at any other time casualties would have been heavier.

Three-quarters of the 14,000 square feet building was gutted.

In Masterton Hospital are:— MRS S. MAKARA, of Ore Ore, Masterton, head injuries and lacerations, condition serious. RICHARD JOHN SWANSON, of 16 Churchill avenue, Masterton, facial injuries, lacerations, shock. condition serious.

MRS J. O’HARA, of 1 Herbert street. Masterton, burns and lacerations, condition satisfactory. MRS ALMA STEER, of 21 Albert street, Masterton, burns and lacerations, condition satisfactory.

Mrs Makara and Mr Swanson have had operations. The firm's assistant manager, Mr C. A. B, Clemas, was treated at the hospital and discharged. The Masterton Fire Brigade, called at 3 p.m, could not prevent the total loss of the central section of the building. The factory was insured for £37.000. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research inspectors left Wellington tonight to make a daybreak inspection of the factory to try to establish the cause of the blast. Two adjoining plastics factories and a veterinarian's office were in danger of being eneulfed by flames. There was a rush of people 4

in vehicles to the area which created a traffic problem. Officers were posted to four intersections. Lost in the blaze was much equipment, machinery, and supplies. The company’s management

met tonight to decide the future of employees. Lives Saved It is thought many lives were saved because employees were having their mid-after-noon break. A solid brick wall between the canteen and the main workshops area lessened the effect of the blast. The explosion came soon

after 3 p.m. Fire followed immediately, and a huge pall of black smoke billowed to 500 feet. Fierce flames licked through the roof of the factory and reached 60 feet. The report of the blast was heard up to a mile away from the site of the factory. Urgent requests for aid went out from businesses nearby and firemen, policemen and ambulances raced to the scene. Four fire engines attended, three from Masterton and a fourth from Carterton. First aid was given on the spot to the slightly injured, while ambulances rushed the more seriously burnt and injured to hospital.