INCENDIARISM LIKELY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 457, 19 May 1932, Page 1

INCENDIARISM LIKELY.

Fatal Explosion Follows Fire. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—. Copyright. SYDNEY, May 18. Suspicious circumstances are associI ated with a fire in the store of F. | Braund and Co., Limited, Armidale, in i which a terrific explosion was responsible for the death of one fireman, the serious injury of two others, and less serious injury to several more. TJic fire broke out last night in the iron store, eventually reaching the large stock off explosives, when the detonation occurred. The suspicion arose when a motorcar without lights was seen leaving the scene before the discovery of the fire. Detectives are investigating. The iron store in which the explosion occurred was detached from the main store and premises, which were gutted by fire only four weeks ago, causing damage to the extent of £20,000. The windows of every building near by were smashed, and dwellings were rocked. At least 5000 detonators exploded. SECOND DEATH OCCURS. (Received May 19, 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 19. A second man has died as a result of the explosion at Braund’s factory, Armidale. Sydney detectives have left to investigate the reports of incendiarism.