Explosion in Fire Hurls Debris 100 Ft.

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 949, 16 April 1930, Page 1

Explosion in Fire Hurls Debris 100 Ft.

BLAZE AT WARKWORTH MOTOR-VEHICLES DESTROYED A terrific explosion of oxygen cylinders, which hurled iron and other debris 100 feet into the air, was the climax of a destructive fire which demolished the Rodney Garage in Queen Street, Warkworth, at 3.30 o’clock this morning. The building, which was one of the best equipped motor service stations in the township, was constructed of wood and iron, and in the absence of a water supply for fire-fighting, the premises were quickly consumed by the flames, which also destroyed the contents. The outbreak was detected by boarders of the hotel almost opposite, and several immediately rushed the door and attempted to save some of the contents. They succeeded in dragging out two oxygen cylinders and sec-ond-hand motor-car minus its engine before they were driven back by the intense beat. SPECTACULAR SIGHT The blaze spread with lightning rapidity, and at its height presented a spectacular sight to the hundreds of residents who assembled in the vicinity. At one stage another block of buildings, that of the “Rodney Times,” was threatened with destruction; but fortunately there was no wind. Two new cars and four other vehicles, besides £2OO worth of tyres, were lost. The premises were owned by Mr. J. Thornton, who will be a heavy loser. He estimates the value of building, plant and stock at between £4,000 and £5,000, and the total of insurances is only £2,500.