NEAR TRAGEDY

Evening Star, Issue 23382, 27 September 1939, Page 8

NEAR TRAGEDY

AMMONIA COMPRESSOR BURSTS DEADLY FUMES RELEASED THIRTY HEN RUSH FOR SAFETY DRAMATIC RESCUES BY FIRE BRIGADE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 27. __ Thirty men were imperilled at 8.10 this morning, when the ammonia compressor portion of the plant of Abels Ltd., margarine manufacturers, in Carlton Gore road, blew out and "released deadly fumes. Most of the men escaped by smashing a window on the ground floor, but six were trapped on the second floor. They were saved from the top of the building by members of the City Fire Brigade, who had to use self-contained breathing equipment and an oxygen supply to enter the building. The firemen got six men on to tha roof, and lowered them by life lines and ladders to the factory yard. / THREE IN HOSPITAL. Three were sent to hospital : William Lloyd, of Marine Parade, Herne Ray. ~ _ Carl Thomas Ekman, of Ngahere Terrace, Parnell. W. Morling, of Rye Lane, Parnell. They are suffering from ammonia burns, and this afternoon their condition was unchanged. Four others received treatment at the hospital, and were discharged. The explosion occurred a quarter of an hour after the day shift had started. The end of the main valve of a large modern ammonia compressor blew out without the slightest warning, and ammonia gas, which had been held under high pressure, spread rapidly aud filled the building. Caught unaware on the side furthest from the main door, some employees made a dash through the fumes to safety, and reached the open air choking and spluttering. Others broke m window and scrambled into the yard. Firemen searched tho building, and found all had escape from the ground floor. They proceocd to save the six men trapped on the upper floor. The worst sufferers were taken to hospital by an ambulance and the privvate car of the managing director (Mr G. H. Abel). CAUSE A MYSTERY. “ Wo cannot understand the cause of fhe explosion,” said Mr Abel. “ This is a comparatively new compressor, installed 18 months ago, and one of the most modern on tho market.” Mr Abel said the actual danrage to the plant was slight, and it was estimated that £SO would cover the cost of repairs. A stand-by plant was now operating. Men in the factory at the time of the explosion said it was a very startling' experience.. There was a dull, muffled roar, and tho choking fumes spread with great rapidity. There was an immediate rush to get out, after which they stood in the sun recovering from coughing and smarting eyes. The explosion did not attract attention from the street, and there were only a few onlookers. The smell* of ammonia was noticeable over a wide area.