AUCKLAND SENSATION

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11648, 12 October 1923, Page 4

AUCKLAND SENSATION

WHEN QUEEN ST. HEAVED ELECTRIC FUSE IGNITES GAS: EXPLOSION FOLLOWS. A STARTLING INCIDENT. (Special to “N.Z. Times.”) AUCKLAND, October 10. A startling incident occurred near the private entrance of the Waitemata Hotel, Queen street, the other afternoon. An electric cable beneath the footpath apparently fused, burning a gas main nearby and setting a light to the gas. which caused three explosions in quick succession. These were followed by vivid tongues of finme, which shot upwards through the pavement. One explosion occurred near the City Council s fish shop, and pedestrians beat a hurried retreat in order to avoid serious consequences. “A TERRIFIC EXPLOSION.”

The gas in the meantime found its way under the concrete floor of the hotel cellar. The discovery that smoke was issuing from the cellar was made by Mr T. Young, an employee, who accordingly went down to investigate. Just as he reached the cellar the heavy concrete floor was partially lifted by a terrific explosion, and such was the force of the impact that Mr Young was thrown back. He promptly raised the alarm, however, and the fire brigade was summoned. INTENSE HEAT.

The gas which was escaping into tha cellar was found to have a. big hold underneath the woodwork of the ground floor, but the outbreak was eventually extinguished, despite the intense heat. The damage to this portion of the cellar was confined to a few floor boards and beams. A hole four feet square was torn in the concrete floor, while the stone foundations of the building were severely scorched. A set of electric wires leading into the fish shop was nearly burned through. The footpath outside the hotel was promptly opened up by a gang of workmen and the fault in the electric main located. It was apparent that the escape from the mains was considerable. The work of repairing the cable and mains proceeded wiohout delay.