VIOLENT EXPLOSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1939, Page 8

VIOLENT EXPLOSION

IN WELLINGTON . CITY BASEMENT ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT TWO MEN SUFFER SERIOUS INJURIES. BIG BUILDING ROCKED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. With their clothing almost entirely blown ofi' their bodies, two electrical I workers were taken from a sub-station in the basement of Nathan’s Building, in Featherston Street this morning, following on an electrical explosion which rocked the building. Four fire engines and an ambulance were rushed to the scene and although there was little work for the firemen to do, the ambulance removed to the’ Hospital two victims both suffering from severe burns to their head, face, arms, hands and the upper part of their bodies. They are an apprentice named Butcher, of Daniel'Street. Newtown and J. Easson, Ariki Road, Ha tai • tai. They were working at a switch when a short circuit, believed to have carried 11,000 volts occurred. A terrific flash lighted up the yard and was actually seen on the fourth story up the lift well. As soon as possible the men were taken from the ciellar, which was full of smoke and fumes. The fire danger was seen to be very slight, as a few rags and clothing that had been ignited were soon put out. Three firemen and an electrician had just left the cellar when a second explosion occurred, rocking the building again. Had they stayed in the cellar they might have met the same fate as the other two, who are both reported to be in a serious condition. Mr Eas- i son is in a worse state than his companion.