AN EXPLOSION

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1929, Page 5

AN EXPLOSION

AT WOOLWICH ARSENAL. (United Press Association—By Electric Te’egraph—Copyright). (Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) , LONDON, March 4. A violent explosion shook Woolwich arsenal and neighbourhood. It was heard for miles and minor reports extending over ninety minutes was (followed by an outbreak of fire in the arsenal fuse factory, consisting of six small circular buildings dotted over a considerable area. Four were practically destroyed. Hundreds of signalling rockets went up and showers of pieces falling one and a half miles distant. One broke a shop wiiiddw a mile away. A building a mile distant was partially unroofed. Dense volumes of smoke lit up by flames alarmed the residents of Woolwich, hundreds of whom rushed to the arsenal gates, but immediately the explosion occurred, the employees were ordered to leave. Many rushed out in overalls. Forty-five fire engines which responded to district calls strenuously fought the flames for over two hours to prevent them spreading to other danger areas. Hydrants were frozen and necessitated water being drawn from the Thames. The War Office announces nineteen injured were sent home after treatment. ANOTHFiR EXPLOSION. IN SOFIA SHELL FACTORY. SOFIA, March 4. A fire in a shell fuse factory of the Sofia Arsenal, spread with' terrific rapidity causing 28 deaths. A number of those rescued succumbed from burns and injuries. Owing to the building collapsing twelve firemen were extricated in a dangerous condition.