GAS EXPLOSION

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 18, 21 July 1932, Page 13

GAS EXPLOSION

BRICK WALL BLOWN OUT

FIREMAN'S SMART' WORK

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WAIMATE, 20th July

An explosion at the gasworks blew out the greater part of a 25-foot brick wall at 5 o'clock this afternoon. The Fire Brigade had an exciting few minutes extinguishing gas flames ■at the pump which forces the gas from the rc-t"'-ts into the gas holder. Fortunately, ; jiio was hi the vicinity when the 1. '«ion occurred. i'!'e*pump was undergoing repair, and w..<Q*yartially dismantled. Evidently leaking gas gradually filled the pumproom and was ignited by a pilot light nearby, causing an explosion. The Fire Brigade found strong flames surrounding the'pump, which were continually fed from the leaking valve, with the pressure of the gas holder behind it.

Water proved powerless to quell the flames, while a chemical extinguisher was too small to bo effective. Wet sacks thrown over the flames ignited immediately. At last a fireman managed to block the valve with wet clay, thus cutting off the source of the flames. This difficult task was accomplished at the risk of severe burns, but the fireman was not injured.-.'.■.-Prompt.steps taken by the gasworks staff ensured an' uninterrupted supply of gas to the town. Apart.from the collapsed wall there was little -damage.