Petone homes evacuated

Press, 28 April 1989, Page 4

Petone homes evacuated

PA Wellington The police evacuated hundreds of Petone homeowners late last evening after emergency services were called to a toxic chemical scare in the neighbouring Expandite battery factory. Residents were still being moved to the Lower Hutt Town Hall early this morning before D.S.I.R. officials were able to announce the fumes were “not toxic, but pungent.” A Fire Service spokesman said it appeared a tank containing a chemical brew had over-heated when its cooling system failed, but details were sketchy. Fire-fighters cordoned

off the entrance to the factory at 10.40 p.m. Traffic was initially allowed to pass along one side of Waione Street, facing the factory. Two hazard showers were set up from a hazard decontamination unit which arrived soon after the nine fire engines were called. Emergency services were standing by in case the mixture leaked or exploded and expected to be there for most of the night, the Fire Service spokesman said. By 11.10 p.m. police, Ministry of Transport and fire-fighters had cordoned most of Waione Street and surrounding streets.