Explosion at Chemical Works of Messrs Bush & Co
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| Date Photo Taken | 30th March 1933 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Copyright 1 | Keystone View Company |
| Picture Reference | Mit_Org_Events_8-17 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Visit by Mitcham Town Clerk Mr R.M. Chart to the house in which a little boy, 12 year old Frederick William Addaway, was killed following the chemical explosion at Messrs. Bush & Co.on 30th March 1933, which severely damaged Belgrave Road and the surrounding area. Frederick was found terribly injured in his bedroom and died shortly after in Wilson Hospital. The factory was at the rear of the road and suffered most of the damage. Sightseers arrived from surrounding districts as the 7am explosion had been heard and felt over much of South London and was reported by the national as well as the local press. The explosion was due to a tank of methylated spirits boiling over and igniting. The chemical works was distilling peppermint and lavender following a long Mitcham tradition of distilling perfumes from lavender and other plants. |
