PREMATURE EXPLOSION

Evening Star, Issue 21218, 27 September 1932, Page 11

PREMATURE EXPLOSION

A BLASTING ACCIDENT RELIEF worker seriously injured fPi* Unitbd Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 26. _ Three men were injured, one seriously, in a blasting accident which occurred in the Training College grounds at Mount Eden this afternoon. The injured men, who were engaged on relief work in the grounds, are;— JAMES M'QUINLAN, married, aged 64, of Morningside, injuries to both hands and to face; admitted to Auckland Hospital, where his condition is regarded as fairly serious. Alfred Brett, of Newton, slight injuries to right hand. Arthur Ensor, of Onehunga, injuries to left eye, not serious. A large number of relief workers is engaged on improving the grounds at the Training College, and the three injured men, with whom others were doing quarrying work on sloping ground leading from the college buildings towards the drive. It is stated that a bore had been drilled and that the powder was being placed into it preparatory to blasting when it suddenly exploded. The injured men state that no detonator had been placed in the bore, and that no gelignite or similar form of explosive was in use. A member of t]je St. John Ambulance Association was among those employed on the relief works at the college, and ho rendered first aid to the three men, who were conveyed to hospital by ambulance.

M'Quinlan’s injuries are fairly serious, necessitating tlie amputation of the thumb and one finger of his left hand, which had been badly hurt. In addition he is suffering from severe shock.

Brett. was treated in the casualty ward and Ensor in the eye department, but neither was admitted to hospital.