WATER TANKS BOIL

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11412, 8 January 1923, Page 4

WATER TANKS BOIL

. STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. SYDNEY, December 8. During the height of a fierce storm at Toowoomba ih Queensland this week, a flash of lightning made tihe water boil in two galvanised iron tanks at Mr B. Virgin’s shop. Fortunately the current then struck the water pipe of the tanks and ran to eajpth, iMr 'and Mrs Virgin, who were in the shop at the time, had miraculous escapes. •••’•. Another flash which struck the iron roof of the Toowoomba foundry sent the current down a pipe into the smithy shop, where it connected with, the electric wires and set'a large electric motor on fire. Fencing wire which bound asbestos to the pipe was melted by the current. The flash caused a sensation among the employees working in the smithy, but nobody was injured. The kitchen chimney of F. Robinson’s residence, in the north-east quarter of the town, was struck, causing damage to the house. Flash after flash of lightning was followed by the deafening roar of thunder. Many employees of city business 'houses were affected. Three women in one establishment- fainted. The storm broke at about 4 o’clock, and rain fell in torrents for a quarter of an hour. Street channels were unable to carry away the water which rushed across the roadways and footpaths. It was the worst storm experienced in Toowoomba for years. Mr Timcke, of the Weather Bureau, said that he had neveT heard nor read of such a thing having 'happened before. It certainly was a remarkable thing that sudden flash of lightning should set water to boil.