EXPLOSION IN CITY FOUNDRY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 100, 22 January 1926, Page 9

EXPLOSION IN CITY FOUNDRY

OXYGEN CYLINDER BURSTS BUILDING WRECKED AND SET ON FIRE

A devastating explosion and fire occurred m the blacksmith’s shop of J. J. Niven and Company’s foundry, Wakefield Street, at about 10.30 o’clock last night. . The trouble was caused by the explosion of an oxygen cylinder.

The tremendous report was heard throughout the city, and the flash was seen at Petone by a motorist proceeding into town. The report was followed by a flash and soon the building was fiercely ablaze. The Fire Brigade were on the scene in a few moments, and it was not long before they had the outbreak under control. As a result of the explosion the entire front of the blacksmith’s shop was blown off, and much of the roof and the walls were shattered. The wall separating the offices adjoining the shop was stove in and the contents of the offices, books, papers, etc., was strewn in a shapeless heap on the floor. The cylinder which had evidently caused the damage, was lying on the floor of the shop, and resembled nothing more than a k shrivelled piece of fried bacon. A crowd of several hundred had gathered, but soon melted away when the fire was subdued.

Exact details of the cause of the explosion were not available last night, but tlie theory is that tire great heat yesterday caused the expansion of the oxvgeu which probably found out some weak spot in the construction of the cylinder which gave way under the tremendous strain. After the explosion the shop gave the appearance of having been under heavy shell fire. The whole building was

ablaze, great gashes had been made in the front, ancTroof sides, and windows in the neighbouring office had been shattered. Inside the shop much damage had evidently been done to the machinery, but the extent of this could not be ascertained last night. Undoubtedly but for the prompt arrival of the brigade the fire would have resulted in the destruction of the building and plant.

'PANIC AVERTED AT OPERA HOUSE A PLUCKY ACTRESS. The full force of the explosion was felt in the Opera House, which was crowded with patrons of the J. C. WiJliamson “Leave it to Jane” company. The building was shaken to its foundations, and tlie windows at the back ot the building were blown out. A number of the staff set out for the open air. fearing that the building was coming down. Everybody present in the house was badly startled, but the situation was saved by Miss Dorothy Lena, who was singing, at the time. Miss Lena faltered for just a moment, and then pluckily continued her song, and the audience, who only needed tlie least provocation to stampede, remained seated.