GELIGNITE TRAGEDY.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18652, 2 June 1932, Page 6

GELIGNITE TRAGEDY.

HUSBAND STUNNED. THE INQUEST ADJOURNED. PART OF HOUSE WRECKED. MORRINSVILLE Thursday. Further details of the shocking tragedy at Hangawera Road, in which Mrs J. R. Kelly and her daughter Maire were killed by an explosion of gelignite, show that Mr Kelly was not. injured by the explosion, bu the received a nasty gash in the head by a piece of falling debris and was temporarily stunned. When Mr Kelly recovered consciousness he found the kitchen on fire. He picked up the two children and carried them outside, where he called for help. His cries were heard by his father-in-law, Mr J. E. Leeson, and by his brother-in-law, Mr John Leeson, who were at work in neighbouring paddocks. The explosion -had been heard by them, but knowing that Mr Kelly had been removing stumps their attention had not been specially attracted by it. The fire was quickly suppressed. Extensive damage had been done by the explosion, the kitchen and its contents being completely wrecked. The briokwork surrounding the stove and the mantelpiece was shattered. Tho roof was lifted and the ceiling was partially removed, while the windows and crockery in the kitchen and adjoining rooms were broken. Pieces o£ glass were thrown 60ft. away. Mr Kelly was removed to his father-in-law’s home. His condition is not serious. The Inquest. An inquest was opened before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., coroner, this afternoon and after evidence of identification had been given by Constable Heeps, was adjourned.