FATAL EXPLOSION:.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 December 1936, Page 8

FATAL EXPLOSION:.

EVIDENCE AT CHRISTCHURCH INQUEST (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, 18th December. The inquest concerning the death of Miss Rosamond Venetta Roberts, following an explosion in Bickerton’s Flamos fireworks factory on 4th November, was resumed. Leonard Ritchie, aged 20, at present foreman, said/that the goods manufactured at the factory were display fireworks, 'signal rockets, and red lights for the use o fships. Five girls were working in the shop known’as the “girls’ workshop” on 4th Novemher. There was one entrance, a double door. The. girls were engaged in making and charging .small rockets. There would be 200 rockets in the shed charged with powder. On the afternoon of the accident he /heard v the explosion of a rocket and ran to the shop, which was then on fire with rockets flying about the factory from the shop. “I do not know how the fire started,” said the witness, “and in my experience I have never known stars ’ to explode during the manufacture of fireworks. 'Die sun was shining. in the door of the girls’ workshop at the time of the fire, and if a star were on the floor it would become drier and easier to explode.” Continuing, Ritchie said that he saw Reid carry a girl out of the blazing building, and he. called for an ambulance.

In returning a verdict that death was due to an accidental fire, the Coroner paid tribute to Norman Reid, who, at considerable danger, entered the building and rescued Miss Roberts.