GAS EXPLOSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14359, 31 October 1908, Page 10

GAS EXPLOSION.

ALARMING EXPERIENCE. YOUNG MAN INJURED. About 5.30 Jast evening there was a violent oxplosion in Princcs street, and the window and fanlights of the shop in . the Empire Buildings in which the No-license party, had taken tip their quarters was entirely blown out.

Tne circumstances connected with the explosion are that during the afternoon a plumber, named Frederick Harridgc, employed by Messrs Renfree, Wnlmslcy, and 'Thomson, was engaged in putting in position three large gas fixtures. Some time before S o'clock the pungent smell of escaping gvis had assailed tho sensibilities of everyone in the vicinity. Harridgc had for a full half-hour been endeavouring to locato the escape, and was standing on a ladder about 9ft high toting .tho centre set of gas brackets, when suddenly a terrific explosion occurred. The boards in the ceiling immediately above were ripped out, but tne greatest accumulation of gas was evidently just above the large plate glass window, and there tho .concentrated force of the explosion played havoc with everything about it. A large portion of the ceiling was torn violently out of position and the large window launched out on to the footway in a thousand fragments. Tho fanlights above suffered equal destruction. Harridge, who, as stated, was standing on the ladder, was thrown violently from his position, and was so unfortunate as to sustain a fracturc of the leg. There was one other occupant, of the room at the time, Mr S. AYaltors, who was ongagtd in noliconse secretarial work, but the force of the explosion did not, come his way. Tho shop, which did not contain a great deal of material, presented a very wrecked and dilapidated spectacle. In Messrs Adams Bros.' office above, tlm force of the explosion was also felt, but no damage was occasioned, although some of the furnishings were displaced.

The City Fire Brigade was summoned as scon as the explosion occurred) and in the space, of three minutes was on the scene, but its services were not required.

Uarridge was removed to the Hospital. Ilis condition is in no way serious. The plate glass window was insured, but for what amount is unknown. At anyrate, it could not have been more completely demolished.