BLEW ITS TOP

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33493, 26 March 1974, Page 1

BLEW ITS TOP

A stormwater drain containing petrol fumes blew its top at Otara, Auckland, yesterday. The drain, which runs for more than half a mile from the corner of East Tamaki Road and Prestons Road to a small creek near the Ferguson Road Intermediate School, began to flow with petrol earlier in the day. A tanker had overturned and about 2000 gallons of fuel was washed down the drain. Firemen spent several hours and thousands of gallons of water flushing out the petrol. Because of the possibility of an explosion, children at the Ferguson 'Road Intermediate School were allowed the day off.

Firemen were doing the last of their mopping-up work when the drain blew its top—or rather its tops —shortly before 3 p.m. Some children playing where the drain runs into the creek are believed to have started a fire. The flames roared' through the drain, blowing off about six manhole covers.

“There was a series of shooshes and bangs,” said a fireman who saw the fire begin.

No-one was injured but as a precaution Are and police officers evacuated several shops and houses.

The East Tamaki Tavern was also evacuated, and remained closed during the evening. A small section of East Tamaki Road and parts of

the local shopping centre were also closed late last night and firemen remained in the area on stand-by.

In the photograph the dangerous goods inspector for the Manakau City Council, Mr W. N. McGowan (right), and firemen inspecting stormwater drains after the explosion which blew off a 2001 b manhole cover.