A TERRIFIC EXPLOSION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81918, 20 February 1907, Page 3

A TERRIFIC EXPLOSION

CARGO OF BENZINE BLOWN UP.. A VESSEL DESTROYED.. TWO NATIVES BLOWN TO PIECES. Per Press Association. Received l'Jtli, 10.33 p.m. Cooktowu, February ID. Three hundred and forty cases oil beiiz'ne aboard the schooner Papuan, for transfer to New Guinea, exploded last evening with a tcrr tic roar. Tuc town was instantly awakened, and people though;, an earthquake had occurred.

The Papuan caught fire, and the glare lit the harbour for a great distance.

Hie Haines spread rapidly, and tnc v;-el was soon enveloped. The etl'orts of liremeii were directed to saving the wharves.

By 4 in the morning the Papuan was buriu to the water's edge. Canisters of benzine continued to burn long after the vessel was destroyed.

It is believed the explos'on was caused by nat ves going below with a lighted pipe, which ignited the fumes. Martin, a steward, and tkive Guinea boys were aboard at the time of the disaster. Martin succeeded in e.seap lug to the wharf, severely injured. One of the Guinea hoys was found under the wharf, where ho was thrown by the force of the explosion. IPs injuries are likely to prove fatal.

The two other natives who were on the vessel were blown to pieces. The Tapuan was insured for £3500.