Explosion at the Petroleum Bore.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 47, 24 August 1896, Page 2

Explosion at the Petroleum Bore.

£2000 DAMAGE DONE. [Per Press Association.) New Plymouth, ausi. 23. At 9.30 last night a terrific explosion ©ccurred at the petroleum bore, Moturoa, and instantly the derrick was enveloped in flames. Burning oil spread over the ground, and was burning on top of the water inja lagoon situated some distance from the derrick. The explosion was heard in town two miles from the bore, and a great volume of flame was seem shooting upwards. Nothing could be done to save the derrick, it being impossible to get near it, tbe burning oil spreading all over the ground. When the derrick, which was made of a wood frame, covered with galvanised iron, had been destroyed, tbe gas and oil was liberated and lounu vent, and gradually the flames sub sided near tuo bore. The oil, howevor. kept burning in the shaft and is still burning. It is expected to be got under tomorrow. Fortunately the bore itself is uninjured, and the oil and water continue to flow steadily, and sinks into the shaft, thus keeping the fire going. Piping will bo run as soon as practicable to conduct the flowing oil some distance away from tbe shaft and tbe fire will be got; under. Great damage has been clone to the pumping gear, but the eDgine and boiler are not destroyed. The accident occurred wtOD OM ©f the hands was engaged fillip v with oil from the tank into which v flows from the bore. He bad a hauo liimp about teu feet from the bore, am' he states that suddenly he noticed * flame extend from the lamp to the bore. He tried to smother it with a j sack, but the attempt was ineffectual. , and a terrible explosion occurred, tin ! ilamcs shooting to the top of tin derrick. He barely escaped with bislife. The loss occasioned by the destruc tion of the derrick portion of the plant and delay in operations wiil amount to about £2000.