GELIGNITE EXPLOSION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 243, 3 June 1932, Page 5

GELIGNITE EXPLOSION

I (Press Assn. —

DETAILS OF TRAGEDY ON MORRINSVILLE FARM KITCHEN BADLY WRECKED

By Telegr&bh — Copyright).

MORRINSVILLE, Thurs. Further details of the shocking tragedy at Hangawera Road, in which Mrs. J. R. Kelly and her daughter Maire were killed by an explosion of gelignite, show that Mr. Kelly was not injured by the explosion but he received a nasty gash in the head by a piece of falling debris and was temporarily stunned. When Mr. Kelly recovered consciousness he found the kitchen on fire. He picked up the two children and carried them outside, ■ where he called for help. His iries were heard by his father-in-law, Mr. J. E. Leeson, and by his brother-in-law, Mr. John Leeson, who were at work in neighbouring paddocks. The explosion had been heard by them, but knowing that Mr. Kelly had been removing stumps their attention had not been speeially attracted by it. The fire was quickly suppressbd. Extensive damage had been done by the explosion, the kitchen and its contents being completely wrecked. The brickwork surrounding the stove and mantlepiece was shattered. The roof was lifted and the ceiling was partially removed, while the windows and crockery were hrokett. Pieces of glass were thrown 60 feet away. Mr. Kelly was removed to his f a-ther-in-law's home. His ConditiOn is not serious. An inquest was opened before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., coroner, this afternoon and after evidence of identification had been given by Constable Heeps, was adjourned.