The Hongkong and China Gas Company Ltd – explosion 14th May 1934, 42 killed

HF: “Gas Works Explosion.—At 11.05 a.m. on the morning of 14th May, 1934 a large gasometer with a capacity of 500,000 cubic feet belonging to the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, Limited, at West Point exploded, the flaming gas setting light to houses in Clarence Terrace, Chun Sing Street and Yu On Terrace. Within two hours the fire was well under control although the work of searching the debris was not completed for another twenty-four hours.

In all forty-two persons were killed or died from injuries received and a large number injured. Five houses were completely gutted and eleven damaged by fire and water.

Apart from the actual gasometer which exploded, no damage was done to the Gas Works.” (1)

 

In the above image: Photographer is looking across Queen’s Road West towards the Gas Works, and Clarence Terrace behind.

The curve of Hill Road is just visible on the right of the photo, and Hong Kong University can be seen in the top-left corner. (2)

This article was first posted on 27th August 2016.

Source:

1. Report of the Inspector General of Police 1934 see point 13
2. big fire after explosion at gas works gwulo.com

See:

1. The ‘sudden and terrifying’ explosion that claimed 40 lives in Hong Kong in 1934 SCMP 3rd May 2019

Related Indhhk articles:

1. The Hongkong and China Gas Company Ltd – early history from 1860s
2. The Hongkong and China Gas Company Ltd – information and images from c1908
3. The Hongkong and China Gas Company – BAAG report/map – Mau Tau Kok – Sept 1944
4. The Hongkong and China Gas Company Ltd / Towngas – 150th Anniversary 2012