POWDER IGNITES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 57, 19 February 1935, Page 5

POWDER IGNITES

TERRIFIC EXPLOSION MAN FATALLY INJURED Five Others Badly Burned TWO IN SERIOUS CONDITION An explogion caused by a quantity of gunpowder being ignited at a camp on Waikonini Station, on the Taihape road, about 30 miles from Hastings, late last night accounted for six men receiving injuries, as the result ot which one died this morning and five others are in the Hastings Memorial Hospital suffering from severe burns. Two of the latter are in a serious condition. The victims of the explosion are:— ARTHUR PATRICK McGUIRE, aged 38 years, married, wife residing in Dannevirke. Died at 7.15 o’clock this morning. THOMAS CONNELL, aged about 32 years, married.—Serious condition from extensive burns. ALEXANDER H. EMMERSON, aged about 30 years, single.—Condition also very serious. THOMAS SANDERS, aged about 24 years, single.—Condition not serious.

GEORGE ALGIE, aged 19 years, single.—Condition not serious. SAMUEL GEAKE, aged 45 years, married, 1021 Heretauuga Street West, Hastings.—Condition not serious. FUSE DROPPED ON BAG. At about ten o’clock last night the men concerned were all in Mr. GeGuire’s tent on Waikonini Station. Apparently Mr. McGuire was testing a short piece of fuse and after lighting it threw it down suddenly and it dropped on a bag containing powder which was used for blasting purposes. In a moment a terrific explosion occurred With unfortunate consequences to all who were in the tent. It is understood that Mr. McGuire was engaged in cutting down trees in the plantation on 'Waikonini Station. Both Mr. Connell and Mr. Sanders are •mployees on Waikonini Station. Mr. Algie and Mr. Emmerson are both employed by Mr. Frank Hildreth, of Manga where, which is only a short distance away. Mr. Geake is employed by the Hawke’s Bay County Council •s a roadman.

The first person to learn of the disaster was Mr. Frank Hildreth, of Mangawhare. Mr. Hildreth was returning home from town with his wife and family when he was stopped by one of the injured men, who was etauding on the road waving his arm* for assistance. "TERRIBLE AFFAIR” "It was a terrible affair,” said Mi. Hildreth when speaking to a representable of the "Tribune” to-day. "When I got there, which would be •bout ten niinutes after it had hap pened, Mr. McGuire was not with the men. He went over to Mr. Goode’s house, which was not more than 400 to 600 yards away, for assistance, and both he and Mr. Goode were on the acene about as soon as I was. "Some of the men were practically •aked, their clothes having been either burnt or blown off them. Some had just a blanket around them. Mr. Goode lost no time in getting his cat and left with four of the men for the Memorial Hospital. Mr. Peter Sheild left with the other two soon after wards.

"The whole camp was blown to amithereens and it was a wonder that they were not all killed,” said Mr. Hildreth. The comp was located in a plantation about five chains from the road, •nd following the explosion a fire atarted, but this was soon extinguished. MR. McGUIRE'B DEATH. The cars conveying the injured men made a good trip down to arrive at the hospital about half an hour past midnight. Medical attention was immediately given, but despite every effort made to relieve his suffering Mr. McGuire passed away at about 7.15 • ’clock this morning. Waikonini Station is about 31 miles from Hastings and farm homesteads •re a considerable distance apart. Where the accident occurred is quite a lonely spot and the men were somewhat fortunate in receiving aid as quickly as they did. Constable Gartley, of Taradale, proceeded to the scene of the explosion this morning, where he made various enquiries. Inquiry at the Memorial Hospital just before the ‘‘Tribune ’ went to press elicited tho reply that- ill tli< injured men "ill require fairly length; hospital treatment owing to the extensive nature of the burns sustained. The condition of Messrs. Gi ike, Algoand Sanders was st'.ted to be - tory.