OIL CATCHES FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 6

OIL CATCHES FIRE

TRAPPED MAN SERIOUSLY BURNED BLAZE IN AUCKLAND HARBOUR P.A. AUCKLAND, Dec. 8. Flames from burning oil trapped a welding assistant, who was seriously burned, endangered several boats and leapt high over an expanse of water near the city terminal of the Birkenhead ferry this morning. Unable to escape from the scaffolding beneath the burning quay, the man was rescued with difficulty and conveyed to hospital. He is Peter Barron, a single man aged 72, and his condition is critical.

Working with Barron on the scaffolding under the quay was John Mullaney. He had returned to the top of the wharf when there was a brilliant flash. Flames leaped across the wharf and the tug Norval, which was moored alongside. Realising that Barron was trapped under the quay. Mullaney climbed down and waded to the place where Barron had dropped from the scaffolding when caught in the flames. The injured man was then rescued by his companion with the assistance of St. John Ambulance men.

The outbreak, which was quickly controlled by firemen, caused considerable damage to the vessel Norval and also charred the stern of a launch which was moored in the vicinity. It is believed that the fire was caused by a spark from an oxyacetylene torch igniting the oil beneath the quay.