ALARMING EXPLOSION

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1933, Page 9

ALARMING EXPLOSION

ELECTRIC PANEL BOX DAMAGED.

WAIRARAPA IN DARKNESS.

Masterton, Jan. 12.

An. alarming explosion ocurred in the Public Works Department’s sub-station at Waingawa shortly after. 11.40 O’clock last night, as a result of which the main panel was damaged, and the whole of the Wairarapa Power Board’s district was plunged into darkness. Warned by a hissing poise from the panel, the attendant was able to get clear of the building before the explosion occurred. • Flames burst from the main cable box at the rear of the panel and spread to the instrument board, doing considerable damage. ■ Chemical extinguishers were quickly brought into commission, however, and the outbreak was quelled before structural damage was done to the building. Prompt action was taken by officials of the Public Works Department • and of the Wairarapa Power Board, and within three-quarters of an hour the northern portion of the board’s area was being fed from the standby plant at Kourarau, but in orderi-to lighten the load it was deemed necessary to cut off the supply to the Featherson and Martinborough districts. In a little over three and a half hours, however, temporary repairs had been, effected and load-carrying conditions were normal. Mr. I. R. Robinson, Public .Works Department engineerd in charge, of Mangahao and Waikaremoana, was on the scene by 4.30 o’clock this woxning and is investigating, the position. So far neither the Power Board nor the Public Works Department officials are able to give information as to the probable cause of the explosion.