EXPLOSION FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1920, Page 3

EXPLOSION FATALITY

THREE PERSONS KILLED

(Per Press Association.) TAUMARUNUI, June 16

Reports concerning the gelignite explosion at Tatau are still very meagre and contradictory. The only definite Information the police have received is that an explosion of gelignite occurred but not how, and that Mrs England, and her infant son, and Miss Lilburn were killed. Information received from an Ohara resident by telephone is to the effect that Mr England put a. packet of gelignite ill front of the fire to dry, and went away to milk the cqws. An explosion occurred, and it is thought that nerhapsyone of the women put the gelignite on tlio stove. Mrs England ‘was blown out of the back door and expired in a few minutes after the arrival of the doctor. Miss Lilburn was in a'separate room when tlie 1 explosion occurred, and her body and tlie infant’s Vere buried under the ruins of the house, which is practically wrecked. The stove was blown to pieces. ' '

Deceased were tlie only persons,in the house. The explosion occurred between eight and nine o’clock on Tuesday morning. The very frosty .night on Monday probably made the gelignite exceptionally sensitive to heat.