BENZINE CARGO EXPLODES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3089, 21 May 1917, Page 6

BENZINE CARGO EXPLODES

ON S.S. ARAHURA STEWARDS' QUARTERS WRECKED FOUR OF THE CREW INJURED By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, May 20. 05' East Ctipe this morning an explosicn .occurred in the forekold of the Union Company's steamer Arahura, which was bound from Auckland to Gisborne. * Four of tho crew were injured, and the following are now in Gisborno Hospital :— j —. Sowers, boatswain, severely burned. • '■ W. J. White, steward, fractured hand and facial burns. "W. Cunningham, fireman, fractured foot. A fourth man, a fireman named Husher, was slightly burned, but Tβ'mains on board the steamer. 'Die explosion was caused by fumes from the cargo of benziue. The threatened lire was quickly suppressed, but the ship undoubtedly had a narrow escape. Captain Morrison handled the ship well, and though preparations were made to beach her if necessary, there was no panic. Tne stewards' quarters were wrecked, and some of the forecabius were badly damaged, but it is anticipated that the vessel's running will not be affected. . She sailed for Napier as usual. Fifty-eight passengers bare signed a y petition to the Minister of Marino protesting against tho carriage of benzine on passenger ships.