TERRIFIC EXPLOSION OF
SCHOONER BURNED TO THE WATER'S EDGE'. TWO NATIVES BLOWN TO PIECES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. COOKTOWN, February 19. (Received Feb. 19, at 10.33 p.m.) Three hundred and forty cases of benzine on board,the schooner Papuan for transfer to New Guinea, exploded last night, witli a terrific roar. The town was instantly awakened, the people thinking' that ail earthquake had occurred.
The Papuan caught lire, and the glare lit up the harbour fur n great- distance.
The lire spread rapidly, and the vessel was soon enveloped in ilantes.
The efforts of the firemen were directed to saving the wharves, and by 4 o'clock this morning the Papuan was burnt to the water's edge. The canisters of benzine continued to burn long after the vessel was destroyed.
It is believed that tls explosion was caused by natives going below with lighted pipes, tho fumes becoming ignited.
A man named Martin (the steward) and three New Guinea boys were on board at tile time of the disaster. Martin succeeded in escaping to the wharf, but was severely injured. One of tho New Guinea boys was' found under the wharf, where he was thrown by the force of the explosion. His injuries are likely to be fatal.
The two other natives en the vessel were blown to pieces.
The Papuan is insured for £13500,
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 13832, 20 February 1907, Page 5
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222Untitled Otago Daily Times, Issue 13832, 20 February 1907, Page 5
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