STOVE EXPLOSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22775, 8 July 1937, Page 12

STOVE EXPLOSION

WOMAN AND SON HURT METAL THROWN ABOUT ROOM SEVERE INJURIES INFLICTED FIRE EXTINGUISHED EARLY [» Y TELKGUAI" IT —OWN CORK USPONI) F.NT] G REYMOUTII, Wednesday An explosion of considerable force in a. stove at the residence of the Hatch family in Scwell Street, Hokitika, this morning, resulted in injuries to Mrs. Milllll a Creagh and her eight-year-old son, Gerard Creagh. A lire had been lit in the stove and the explosion occurred some time afterward.

The stovo was blown to pieces, also a large iron kettle on the stove. Burning coal and ashes were blown all over the room and the walls were dented by the force of flying pieces. Mrs. Creagh and her son were in the room at the time and were struck by pieces of metal and burning fuel. Mrs. Creagh was taken to Dr. L. B. Wilson's surgery, where several stitches were required in the face, four on the side of the cheek and one under the chin, and several on her legs. She also suffered from burns. The boy received more serious injuries and after treatment was taken to the Westland Hospital. Ho was injured from flying debris and also suffered burns of a serious nature on the body and legs. An elder son, who was just entering tlie room when the explosion occurred, narrowly escaped being struck in the face by flying metal. One piece struck his leg, tearing a largo hole in his trousers at the knee.

The kitchen was a wreck. Luckily the resulting fire was extinguished in its early stages, causing only minor damage. The explosion was accompanied by a deafening noise and apparently was due to a piece of explosive contained in the coal.

Mrs. Hatch, an elderly lady, fortunately was still in bed at the time of the explosion, but tho effect of the shock will bo most serious for some time.