SULPHUR FUMES IGNITE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 24 April 1937, Page 9

SULPHUR FUMES IGNITE

MEN CUT OFF BY FLAMES ACCIDENT AT KLMPTHORNE PROSSERS LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUILDING IBy Telegraph—Press Association i WANGnNUI, This Day. Details ol Uie explosion at tne iwnipthorne Prosser chemical worKs show that employees were all working in the sulphur store when the belt on a puhey became detached and they immediately climbed a high ladder leading to the platform lo make adjustments. During this operation a mullled explosion occurred as sulphur fumes and dust ignited _n Ihe shaft, presumably as the result of a shower ot sparks. Cut oil lrom the door by (lames the men were in a dangerous plight, and other employees in the vicinity rushed to their aid. There was an emergency door at the top of the shaft, but apparently all the men were not aware of this, as only three availed themselves ot it, while another three lumped some distance irom a ladder over a partition into the sulphur heaps on each side of the elevator.

Bovcy and Gould evidently tried to penetrate the flames to reach the door. b'Jt were seriously burned in the attempt When Bovey was brought out ii was seen he was badly hurt and an ambulance was immediately .summoned but he died on the way to hospital. He eaves a family of four Very little damage was done to the building Gould s condition is improving (Referencs to this accident will be 'ound elsewhere in this issue.>