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_8-16 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Southern end of Belgrave Road following an explosion at the perfume factory of Messrs Bush & Co. stationed behind Belgrave Road which left fifty families homeless. Twenty three people were injured and there was one fatality. 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. |
