Production continues after blast

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 9

Production continues after blast

Two engineers of Independent Fisheries, Ltd, Woolston, Barry Swallow (left), and Phillip Seti, check some of the equipment that was damaged in an explosion at the factory on Friday in which eight people were injured. Three of those injured suffered burns in the explosion. Lelei Levy and Gloriana Hills were in a satisfactory conditions at Burwood Hospital yesterday, and Mary Roberts was described as fairly comfortable. The other five injured people were treated and discharged from Christchurch Hospital. The company’s general manager, Mr Charles Shadbolt, said he was very distressed by the injuries that had occurred, “but thank God, it was not worse.” He said that although damage was extensive, valued about $250,000,

alternative methods of production had been established to ensure continuity of supplies to the company’s domestic and export markets. Praising the efficient manner with which the emergency services had responded, Mr Shadbolt said the swift return to production was due largely to their efforts and to the response of staff and people throughout the community who had volunteered help in the emergency. Mr Shadbolt said that no work was available for some of the staff, but they would be paid until production resumed, few days, he hoped. •’!?'