FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION AT WANGANUI.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1625, 6 May 1879, Page 2

FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION AT WANGANUI.

[By Telegraph. I Wangahfi, May 5. A boiler explosion occurred at Duncan and Yonks' Mill, Taupo Quay, at 1.30 this afternoon. It was felt over half the town, and many thought it was an earthquake. One man was killed, one dangerously injured, and a number more or less injured. Half of the boiler was thrown fifty yards up towards tho railway station. An inquest will possibly be held to-moerow on the body of John Bixton, the enginedriver, who was killed. Deceased leaves a wife and three little children. His life is insured in the Government office for £2OO. He had just paid tho quarter's premium in the dinner hour, a few minutes before the accident occurred. A Native from up the river was badly injured. Mr Murray a settler, and Mr Caldors, chief telegraphist, who was engaged in some Government Insurance business, cro injured but not seriously, though each sustained a severe shock. All the workmen escaped. Five minutes before tho accident about ten of them were congregated near the boiler, taking their midday meal. Nothing is known as to the enuse of tho accident. The boiler was old and worn, and was to have been replaced by a new one, alroady made, and to have been fixed this week." The proprietors hold a certificate for tho old boiler as being good till October next from the inspecting officer, Mr McGregor, of Wellington. About £2OO will cover the damage to tho brilding, which, owing to the cause of the accident, the insuranco office is not liable for.