EXTRAORDINARY EXPLOSIONS IN A SEWER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3821, 15 October 1883, Page 4

EXTRAORDINARY EXPLOSIONS IN A SEWER.

A Sydney telegram of September, 25th says:—"A good deal of excitement Avas occasioned shortly before eleven o'clock this morning injtho vicinity of tho railway station at Ultimo by a terrific explosion at several points along the lino of tho main sower, extending from the intersection of Devonshire and Pitt streets to the omnibus stables, Ultimo. It appears that a firo had been lighted upon tho loAv-lying ground alongside tho railway line running to Darling Harbor, and it is conjectured that an escape of gas took place from the sewer, and, communicating Avith tho fire, a violent explosion Avas the result. The force of the explosion Avas so great that it overturned somo vehicles that Avero standing near tho spot, and heaved masses of soil and debris high into tho air. Almost simultaneously several other violent explosions occurred along the line of the sower. Several children who were playing near the spot had a marvellous escape. One of them, a boy named Henry While, was hurled into the air, and so severely injured that he had to bo conveyed to tlio hospital. The pentup gases tore through the surface of the ground immediately in front of the establish-

ment of Mr AVoodAvard, gunmaker, Georgestreet. No damage was done to the property here, but several persons received a severe shock. Mr F. Smithcrs, clerk of the railway office, was seized with a serious epileptic fit. Tho next upheaval Avas ia the centre of George - street, abreast of the entrance to tho railway station, right alongside the tram vails. Here the surface of the road Avas disturbed, and tho contents of the sewer wero Hung into the air. Other explosions occurred along Devonshire-street. One of them is described as like the roar of a dozen cannons, at tho corner of Castlc-rca"-h-Htrcet, and others, of less violence, occurred along the course of the sower in the direction of Surrey Hills. The damage to the sewer has been very great."