FIRE AND EXPLOSION LEAVES HOUSE IN RUINS

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 January 1948, Page 6

FIRE AND EXPLOSION LEAVES HOUSE IN RUINS

(P.A.) Invercargill, Jan. 26. Following an outbreak of fire in a brick and rough-cast house in Bowmont Street yesterday afternoon, a violent explosion occurred which left the house in ruins as though it had been bombed. The place was owned by Mr. D. C. Livingstone, who purchased it nearly a year ago, and in the interim had carried out many improvements. The presence of coal gas in the premises prior to the outbreak was not perceptible by the occupants, while expert opinion included a view that a combustible substance that contained a large percentage of carbon had accumulated in between the walls. Considerable damage was done by the explosion, which was fairly violent. and completely wrecked two fireplaces, besides causing pictures on the walls to fall to the floor. The tire itself was confined to the back portion of the building. A high wind was blowing at the time and the brigade was hampered in its operations by thick smoke which obscured the neighbourhood. It is considered fortunate that the explosion took place prior to the arrival of the brigade: otherwise casualties might has resulted. The deputy-superintendent of the brigade, Mr. A. McVennett, said it was the most extraordinary fire he had encountered in 25 years’ experience.