AN EXPLOSION OF GAS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 1400, 13 September 1909, Page 4

AN EXPLOSION OF GAS.

A WAREHOUSE DOOTI IPU VEERED TO FRAGMENTS. Ver Vren* Association. CHRISTCHURCH. Sept 12. A loud explosion in Messrs. P. Havman and Co.'s warehouse caused considerable sensation in Hereford Street about 9 o'clock this morning. It appears that when Mr. Hay man entered the shop he noticed a strong smell of ens. On opening the strong room door the smell became more pronounced, and Havman struck a match to investigate. Almost immediately a terrific report occurred, and a sheet of flame momentarily enveloped Hayman. He was thrown violently backward, but luckily was not rendered unconscious. His aco and hands were rather badly burned, and he sustained a very severe shock. Some idea of the force of tho explosion msv be obtained from the fact that the bick door of the warehouse, which is about twelve fwt awny from the strong room, was shattered into fragments a new door having to ke put in. About fivp fept in front of the strong room is a show case, whiHi vras badly scorched by the sheet of flama.