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_8-18 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Relief measures following the chemical explosion at the perfume factory of Messrs. Bush and Co. The explosion damaged two hundred houses and left fifty families homeless, mostly from Belgrave Road where most of the houses had to be pulled down. The explosion was due to a tank of methylated spirits boiling over and igniting, and injured twenty three people, while one twelve year old resident of Belgrave Road was killed. The chemical works was distilling peppermint and lavender following a long Mitcham tradition of distilling perfumes from lavender and other plants. |
