Workers flee from fumes

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33427, 8 January 1974, Page 2

Workers flee from fumes

fN.ic Zealand Preu Auociationl AUCKLAND, January 7. A broken ammonia sightglass in the Hydra bacon factory at College Hill, Ponsonby, caused workers and nearby residents to run for fresh air this morning.

Firemen found several Hydra employees trapped by the fumes on the second floor. An extension ladder was used to bring them to the ground

Firemen also evacuated six houses in Margaret Street and adjacent shops for two hours when the strong fumes floated up the street. Firemen wearing special ammonia suits found the leak

in the engine control room of the factory.

Eight high-pressure fog hoses broke down the fumes after about an hour. Three firemen were taken to Auckland Hospital suffering from the effects of the gas, and several workmen and onlookers needed eye-1

washes at the scene. Mr T. R Elliot, the factoryengineer. tried to reach the broken sight glass as soon as he smelt the leak, but thick fumes drove him back. Later he directed firemen to the shut-off valves, and then re-entered the factory in an ammonia suit to check that ail valves had been closed. About 25 men were in the factory at the time of the leak, according to Mr H. Penk, the acting manager. The factory well reopen tomorrow.