(no subject)

[drcuriosity]

I was planning on heading out to a party tonight. Just when I was about to go out, though, I heard that part of Cashel Mall (between Oxford and Colombo) has caught fire. Reports are mixed so far, but it sounds like an LPG tank may have exploded. Streets for a block or two in either direction have been closed to road traffic, and people have apparently been evacuated from buildings in that area, just to be on the safe side.

I know a couple of people whose livelihoods are in this area. I hope stuff's OK. My old workplace at the corner of Hereford and Oxford is still serving web traffic, at least. Still, lots of old buildings - lots of history in that part of town.

If I find any reliable sources of information, I'll keep people posted. For all I know so far, this could be some elaborate hoax that I'm not in on. I hope so.

Comments

[dirtyfilthy.livejournal.com]

Hey man, don't know what exactly went down but I was at the dux de lux, saw smoke bellowing into the air. Lots and lots of flashing lights. Whole strip was cordoned off. I heard the viaduct burnt to the ground.

[amithrelle.livejournal.com]

yeah I saw heaps of smoke, I heard something about lpg too, but apparently they were trying not to let them blow up ..

[cnawan.livejournal.com]

well, isn't the Viaduct the one with the gas brazier out front? there's your LPG..
Much traffic and several quiet ambulances in town just now

[badasstronaut.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that sounds really close to my old flat. Please let me know the upshot.

[xyphoid.livejournal.com]

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=36249

Major damage in Chch fire


Extensive damage after Goffs Stables in Christchurch's Oxford Street caught fire last night- nobody injured



19 October 2003

A fire has caused extensive damage to a building in Christchurch.

Goffs Stables on Oxford Terrace caught fire at 10.15 last night, causing the evacuation of a large section of the inner city.

During the height of the blaze, a wall collapsed and part of the roof from the burning fell onto Shades Arcade causing a water pipe to burst.

No-one has been hurt, but two people were arrested for ignoring the police cordon.

It is not yet known if the blaze is suspicious.

The scene has been cordoned off.

Arson

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/latestnewsstory.cfm?storyID=3530563&thesection=news&thesubsection=general

Three arrested, charged with arson of Christchurch building

24.10.2003 9.04 am

Three men have been arrested and charged with the arson of an historic Christchurch building.

The Wentworth building went up in flames on Saturday night, and workers are currently demolishing its remains.

The arrests -- of three men aged 18 and 19 -- happened overnight, Detective Sergeant Ken Legat of Christchurch police said in a statement.

The trio were to appear in Christchurch District Court today, each facing a charge of arson.

The old building had an asbestos tile roof, and Christchurch health officials had sealed off the area surrounding it -- a popular entertainment centre with several bars and restaurants -- while the potentially toxic material was cleared away.

Yesterday , test results from the weekend revealed asbestos fibres from the roof may have been carried west of the Avon River, and the clean-up zone was expanded by two city blocks.

Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Mel Brieseman said people casually passing through the area were not at risk.

- NZPA