Belgrave Road: Bush's Explosion
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1933 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Picture Reference | Mit_1_11-1 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Damaged shops, following the explosion at the Messrs Bush & Co. chemical works in Belgrave Road. Six business properties were damaged by the blast. 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 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. |
