SERIOUS BOILER EXPLOSION AT OAMARU.

Western Star, Issue 142, 27 May 1876, Page 5

SERIOUS BOILER EXPLOSION AT OAMARU.

[By Telegraph] Cam aru, Maj 22. The Mail publishes, per pigeon express, particulars of a terrible boiler explosion which occurred at 8 o’clock this morning at the junction of the Waiareka and Maheno. The co * tractors’ small engine, known as the Rover, had just got up steam, and the men were proceeding to work when the boiler exploded with a terrific crash. Taylor, the contractors’ clerk, was blown up in the air a height of thirty feet, and of course was killed instantaneously. The other men were frightfully bruised and six‘were scalded. At the time these particulars were furnished us one man had not been found. Portions of the engine and boiler were scattered about for yards round. The wounded men have been conveyed in expresses to the hospital. The boiler was one purchased some time since from Mr Cairns, of Dunedin. It has been at work here since March. The explosion was heard four miles away. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Mitchell, the engine-driver, was frightfully mangled and cannot possibly live. Colin Campbell, who was standing near the engine, was slightly injured. _ The cause of the accident is said to be a flaw in the boiler. The safety valve was tied down with a thick piece of string in order to make the boiler generate steam. Taylor’s frightful death caused quite a sensation in the town. He was generally respected. Portions of the boiler were blown 100 yards away. The smash up is complete. Theengine wasbuilt by Messrs Kincaid. M'Queen, and Co. for Mr A. Cairns, and for a considerable time worked here most efficiently, carrying waggons connected with the prison department.