30 MEN IMPERILLED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20920, 27 September 1939, Page 6

30 MEN IMPERILLED

THREE IN HOSPITAL EXPLOSION IN FACTORY DEADLY FUMES RELEASED (By TcUgrtph.—Pratt Association) AUCKLAND, Wednesday Thirty men were imperilled at 8.15 this morning when an ammonia compressor, a portion of the plant of Abels, Ltd., margarine manufacturers, on the Carlton-Gore Road, blew out and released deadly fumes. Most of the men escaped by smashing a window on the ground floor, but six were trapped on the second floor from the top of the building. They were saved by members of the City Fire Brigade, who had to use self-contained breathing equipment and oxygen supply to enter the building. The firemen got the six men on to the roof, and lowered them by life lines and ladders to the factory yard. Three are in hospital, namely:— Mr William Lloyd, of Marine Parade, Heme Bay; Mr Carl Thomas Ekman, of Ngarehere Terrace, Parnell; and Mr W. Morling, of Rye Lane, Parnell. Four others received treatment in hospital and were discharged. The explosion occurred a quarter of an hour after the day shift had started. The end of a main valve of a large modem ammonia compressor blew out without the slightest warning, and ammonia gas, which had been held under high pressure, spread rapidly and filled the building. Caught unaware on the side furthest from the main door some employees made a dash through the fumes to safety and reached the open air choking and spluttering. Others broke a window and scrambled into the yard. The firemen searched the building and found that all had escaped from the ground floor and they proceeded to save the six men trapped on the upper floor. The worst sufferers were taken to hospital by an ambulance and the private car of the managing director, Mr G. H. Able. Small Damage to Factory “We cannot understand the cause of the explosion,” said Mr Abel. “This is a comparatively new compressor, and was installed 18 months ago. It was one of the most modem on the market.” The actual damage to the plant was slight, and it is estimated that £SO will cover the cost of repairs. A standby plant is now operating. The men in the factory at the time of the explosion said it was a very startling experience. There was a dull, muffled roar, and choking fumes spread with great rapidity. There was an immediate rush to get out, whereafter they stood in the sun recovering from coughing and smarting eyes. The explosion did not attract attentic i from the street, and there were only a few onlookers, but the smell of ammonia fumes was noticeable over a wide area. Later The three men in the hospital are reported to be suffering from ammonia bums. Their condition this afternoon was unchanged.