Explosion at motor show

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33985, 28 October 1975, Page 18

Explosion at motor show

New Zealand Press Association?

AUCKLAND. October 27.

Spectators at the motor show at the Epsom Show Grounds todayescaped what could have been serious injury when a station waggon caught alight after an explosion near the main grandstand.

A drum containing two gallons of a chemical used to start flames under the “panic car.” one of the central attractions at the show, exploded in the back seat of the station waggon.

Two men with fire extinguishers had the blaze out within seconds. Damage in the vehicle was restricted to the roof lining. The incident happened at one end of the main arena stand. The peonle in it, as well as those who were milling around several yards from the car, could have been in considerable danger if a second explosion had occurred.

The station waggon was used to tow the "panic car.” and its crew had just finished washing it in preparation for the 4 p.m. demonstration when the explosion took place.

The “panic car” is a stunt vehicle which is driven on a special track, belching smoke and flames.

The "panic car” driver. Mr J. Lumb, of Sydney, said he thought the drum had gone up when the windows of the station waggon were closed. The chemical had a low flashpoint. Heat inside the waggon built un, and Mr Lumb thinks this was the cause of the explosion. Mr G. J. Wells, one of two men who nut out the fire, said; "It all happened so airiekly. We heard this dull thud, and realised what was happening. "I grabbed a fire extinguisher. and with another guy opened the waggon and managed to put it out,” he said.

“People were standingaround wanting to get a look.' and we had to yell and •cream at them to get out of; the road, because it could Save gone up again .” Mr Wells, who burnt his aands when taking the redhot drum from the station waggon, had been helping to I clean the car minutes before the explosion.

i The "panic car,” ■which had [been hooked to the station waggon, was not damaged.