TRAGEDY ON DREDGE

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 11

TRAGEDY ON DREDGE

EXPLOSION KILLS ENGINEER TWO OTHERS SERIOUSLY KURT (.Special to the ' Star.’] WANGANUI, March 28. A deep gloom was cast over Wanganui port this morning by a tragic occurrence on the dredge Kaionc, an explosion resulting in the death of Joseph Cable, the harbour board’s chief engineer of the dredge; while Duncan MMvinnon (second engineef), and William M'Kcogh (greaser’), have been admitted to hospital, both being severely injured. Tho latter was very badly burned about the body. Workmen hail been engaged during the past few days in getting the Kaionc in commission to proceed to Nelson, where she was to undertake work lor the Nelson Harbour Board. This morning Cable and the two injured men proceeded to check off the list of stores in tho tunnel aft, over which there is a small cabin. They had been there only a few minutes when there was a loud explosion, and pieces of shattered glass and splintered wood were scattered about tho deck among the workmen. Smoke and fames belched from the top of the cabin, and for a few seconds tho workmen stood .spellbound. Then they proceeded to organise immediate relief. As a certain portion of the woodwork was afire, the brigade at Castled iff was immediately summoned. Captain Johnston also took steps to appraise the officers of the warship Veronica of the explosion, and a gas helmet was brought into requisition, while the ship’s doctor was immediately available. On entry to the cabin, it was found that Cable was dead. He was evidently blown clean against the top of tho cabin, and bis body was badly battered. The other injured men were found in the tunnel lower down, and had escaped the lifting force of the explosion. They were immediately got out and with some difficulty assisted up the engine room steps and hurried to hospital. What caused the explosion is not yet known, as there appeared to bo very little material of an explosive nature in tbe tunnel except a low odd tins of oil. and a small quantity of benzine. Tbe bottom ot the cabin was blown clean out —likewise tbe thick glass oi the top of the batch; and tbe batch cover, to winch was attached a weight of lead, was blown open. A substantial piece of heavy wood fitting was shot out on to the deck, and in ibis there is a large dent, showing the force of the explosion. Cable had been in the employ of the Harbour Board since .1922. and was fifty-seven years ol age. His wile, is at present on a holiday visit to Melbourne. M.‘Kinnon and M'Kcogh have also been in (he employ of the board for some years. There is no other structural damage in prevent the dredge from sailing next week according to the programme.