BOILER EXPLODES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1928, Page 4

BOILER EXPLODES

AT REWANUI MINE. ENGINE-DRIVER INJURED. (Grey Argus). A sensational accident, involving the wreckage of the boiler house at the Rewanui State Aline, and serious injuries to an engine-driver, occurred about 3.30 p.m., yesterday when the tube head of a 14-foot boiler burst, the terrific force of the explosion carrying the botilcjr ten feet away from its rightful positon. «- The injured man is George Gardiner, an engine-driver, married, aged 53. His injuries comprise a badly crushed ,right foot, and he was also severely scalded on both arms and suffered from shock. . At the time of the explosion, Mr Gardiner was relieving a fireman, William Reed, who had not long previously gone to the washhouse. Ine boiler concerned was the centre one of three of a similar type, each being fourteen feet long. The tube head is situated at the opposite end of the boiler to that occupied by the fire box, find when the explosion took place, the whole of the boiler, weighing many tons, was torn from its bed,- only a comparatively small portion—about 18 inches long—being left attached to the concrete base. The unfortunate man was attending to the centre fire box when there was a terrific report, and the entire boiler shot forward throwing him against the coal bin, and jamming his right foot to the concrete floor, his body being almost buried in coal and debris. The boilerhouse, a wooden structure, was badly damaged, the wall nearest the steam dome being entirely shattered.

Steam issuing from the tubes filled the building, making it almost impossible to approach without being scalded. Willing hands were soon on the scene. The steam was switched off, and they set to work to release the imprisoned man. The shifting of the large square boiler, of such tremendous weight, proved a long and f arduous task, and it was not until filly two hours later that the boiler was jacked to one side' and the injured man t"'as removed by a stretcher to await the arrival of a special train to convey him to Greymouth And thence to the Grey River Hospital. In the meantime, medical aid was summoned from Runanga. Dr Meade arrived and did all that was possible to relieve the man’s suffering. Unfortunately however there was considerable delay before the train arrived in Greyhiouth, and it was not until after 8 p.m. that he reached the Hospital. U The boiler concerned, is what is known as the Lancashire (water tube) type, the makers being Babcock and Wilcox. Its maximum steam pressure is approximately 2001 b. but at the Lj 'Jju of the accident the gauge only 801bs pressure. The boiler was last tested ten weeks -ago. An inspection of the damaged plant was made by the Inspector of Machinery (Mr Brown) last evening, but he could not discover any signs of deterioration in the plates. A more thorough examination, however, will he carried out later. An inquiry at the Hospital late last night, elicited the information that the injured man was still in a serious condition.