LONDON TUBES

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 56, 30 November 1923, Page 7

LONDON TUBES

QUESTION OF THEIR SAFETY RAISED INCREASING PRESSURE OF HIGH BUILDINGS DANGER OF TUNNELS BEING FLOODED As a result of the collapse of a London tube, the safety of the tunnels has been questioned, owing to the increased pressure of the higher buildings. and the danger of flooding by broken water mains. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. (Rec. November 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 29. The tunnel accident raises the wide question of the safety of London’s tubes under the new conditions, particularly in the West End, where they are subjected to tho increased pressure of higher buildings and surrounded by high-pressure water mains and a network of electrical cables. Although the official account treats the incident lightly, it is obvious that the subsidence paused only on the brink of what would have been the most disastrous railway, tragedy of modern times. The imagination is appalled by a cons'deration of the consequences of London’s main water supply pouring in and filling the deep tunnels during rush hours when they were occupied bv probably a quarter of a million souls. As the tubes slope to the lower levels between the stations there would bp no escane for thousands. The Newington tube was newly constructed : therefore the accident has a peculiar interest for engineers. It has always been said that nothing short of the most violent earthnnake would cause a tube collanse. Now it is evident that there are other factors worthy of consideration.—Sydney “Sun” Cable. OFFICIAL EXPLANATION OF THE COLLAPSE RESULT OF EXCAVATION (Rec. November 29. 9 p.m.) London. November 28. It is offieiallv explained that the collapse of the tube was caused through excavation. The tunnel was being enlarged and the excavation works had come into contact with an old storage well. This caused an inrush of sand and water into the tunnel, leaving a qrater-liko empty snare beneath the surface of the road. Being thus robbed of their supnort. the water and gas mains collapsed, and a ras main breaking released gas. which mixing with the air in the cavity, formed an exnlosive, which then caused thp fire. The accident was in every way exceptional, and assurance is given the public that it need not entertain fear regarding the general security of the tube ralways or the gas. mains.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.