A Terrific Explosion.

Hastings Standard, Issue 102, 24 August 1896, Page 2

A Terrific Explosion.

NEW PLYMOUTH PETROLEUM WORKS. New Plymouth, August 22. At 9.30 last night a terrific explosion occurred at the petroleum bore, Moturoa, and instantantly the derrick was enveloped in flames. The burning oil spread over the ground, and was burning on top of the water in a lagoon some distance from the derrick. The explosion was heard in town, two miles from the bore, and a great volume of flame was seen shooting upwards. Nothing could be done to save the derrick, it being impossible to get near it, the burning oil spreading all over the ground. When the derrick, which was made of a wood frame covered with galvanised iron, had been destroyed, the gas and oil were liberated and found vent and gradually the flames subsided near the bore. The oil, however, kept burning in the shaft, and is still burning. It is expected to be got under to-morrow. Fortunately the bore itself is uninjured. The oil and water continue to How steadily, and sink into the shaft, thus keeping the fire going. Piping will be run as soon as practicable to conduct the flowing oil some distance away from the shaft, and then the fire will be got under. Great damage has been done to the pumping gear, but the engine and boiler are not destroyed. The accident occurred when one of hands was engaged filling a cask with oil from the tank into which it flows from the bore. He had a hand-lamp about 10 feet from the mouth of the bore, and he states that suddenly he noticed a flame extend from the lamp to the bore. He tried to smother .it with a sack, but the attempt was ineffectual, and a terrible explosion occurred, the flames shooting to the top of the derrick. He barely escaped with his life. Oil was struck in the bore three or four days ago, and it has been steadilyflowing and improving every day. It was expected this we°-k the water would be shut off and a flow of pure oil obtained. Now operations are delayed for probably six weeks or two months. The quantity of oil now flowing can leave no doubt as to the payable nature of the oil obtained at 2010 ft. Previous finds of petroleum had always to be pumped ; this is a flowing well. Great excitement prevailed in town, and the company have the public's sympathy for the loss sustained after the plucky manner in which they have kept the works going and just on the eve of great success. The loss .occasioned by the destruction of the derrick, portion of the plant, and delay in operations will amount to about £2OOO.