A STREET BLOWN UP

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 4 May 1927, Page 7

A STREET BLOWN UP

GAS MAIN IN FLAMES

LONDON' FAMILIES EVICTED

Kortv families in Dalston, North London, were turned out of their homes recently by one of the worst gas explosions ©vwr known in Londoin!. Foi tuna tel v there were no serious injuries. ■ Workmen were drilling in Perch Sticet in order to lay electricity nut ins when on. of the gas mains must have been pierced by the drill, for a smell of gas was, observed, and officials of the gas company were sent for. Shortly after ■they arrived the first explosion occurred. Orange-coloured Humes shot up loft, into the air. The workmen hurriedly threw earth on the Haines, and then summoned the fire brigade. 'Fire earth which had been used apparently forced the exploded gas down the main, for the smothering of the flames was IVlowed after a few seconds by explosions in houses on both sides of the road. In one of them —n general store —a dresser was blown through a wall into an adjoining yard, and the flames which sprang up threatened fire’ of dangerous proportions. When the iirei brigade arrived it was realised that the outbreak was a .serious one. aud a district call was issued. One hundred firemen were soon on the .-.(die. and parties of them wearing gas masks rushed into the houses where explosions had occurred. The police realised the danger of the lire spreading to houses connected ivitli the .same main., and constables «erd from house to house knocking at the doors and caUine to the inhbaitants to come out for safety. For an hour and a half the firemen fought Hie outbreak, and even five hours after the first explosion one brigade was still on the scene in case of '"further trouble. Tenants of the affected houses stood in the road wad-hiii o. Hie work of stopping the gas mains being curried on by artificial iglit.