TAR EXPLODES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 6

TAR EXPLODES

THREE MEN INJURED SEVERE BURNS INFLICTED Exploding tar in the Wanganui City Council’s main yard, Ridgway Street Extension, shortly after one o’clock yesterday afternoon, caused injury to three men employed at or near the scene of the mishap. Mr. George W. Hoskins, aged 52, married, of Cavell Place, suffered severe burns on face, arms and back. He was nearest of the three to the offending drum of tar. Mr. J. P. Kenny, aged about 40, of 1 Mahoney Street, married, suffered burns on his hands. Mr. E. J. Pull, uged 54, of Gaius Avenue, married, suffered slight burns on hands and arms, and also suffered shock. It is the practice of the “tar gang” employed in the yard to handle drums of tar received from the gasworks. In the cold weather it is necessary to so thin this material that it will flow readily when being applied to street work. Specially constructed kettles are used for this purpose and the men who were affected by the explosion were engaged in feeding this plant, warming the drums beforehand. What happened can only be conjectured until the injured men, who were removed to hospital, can give their version. A partly full drum exploded, the sound being heard in the central portion of the city. One end was blown to the roof of the tar department building where it forced a hole in the corrugated iron. It was fortunate that the building was very open, a sort of verandah roof and two walls enclosing the men. Otherwise, the effect of the explosion would have caused severe concussion to those within. Fire immediately took comi mand of the tar from the burst drum, and Mr. Hoskins, whose overalls were well covered with the black substance, became a torch. Mr. Kenny was burnt about the hands. Mr. Pull went to Mr. Hoskins’ assistance and suffered burns. Prompt attention to duty by the St. John Free Ambulance resulted in all three being conveyed to hospital very quickly. Earlier in the day a lire occurred near the scene of the explosion and the Central Brigade was called to put it out. It had established itself in a heap of wood. The brigade also responded to a call after the explosion and the spread of the flames was quickly checked. Two Men Discharged. Messrs. Kenny and Pull were able ( to return to their homes from hospital after receiving treatment yesterday. Mr. Hoskins is progressing as well as can be expected.