NEWS DESK
Big bang sends water tank sky high Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au IT wasn’t a bomb, but it was just as destructive. A Frankston house was partly demolished last Wednesday afternoon when its hot water service exploded. The force of the blast in Drum Close destroyed much of the rear of the house and part of the roof. It is believed no one was home at the time. Witnesses said the hot water tank “took off like a rocket” and ended up on a nature strip in Dalpura Circuit. “When it exploded there was a loud bang and it shook houses for quite a distance around,” said a neighbour, who asked not to be named. “We ran outside and someone saw the water tank a few hundred yards up in the sky, and then debris rained down on nearby houses. “One resident raced to protect his children, who were in a swimming pool as rubble rained down. The water tank and pieces of roof tiles ended up in Dalpura Circuit. The house next door had its fence, belongings and car damaged.” Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Garett, of Frankston Crime Investigation Unit, said the house’s occupant had been interviewed and “investigations are ongoing”. Two Frankston CFA trucks and five crew members attended the scene just before 5pm. Senior station officer Graham Kirk said he was unsure what had caused the explosion but it appeared the pressure release valve had been blocked. “It might not have been done maliciously,” he said. “It might have
Investigation: Police talk to witnesses in Dalpura Circuit, Frankston. Part of the hot water service is in the foreground.
been done to fix a leak.” Mr Kirk said his members monitored air samples for flammable gas and used a thermal imaging camera inside and outside the house to determine the cause of the explosion. None was found. After the big bang, a plumber, who lives nearby, turned off the gas and water to make the scene safe. He said it appeared the hot water service had been tampered with and the pressure valve capped. Police gas investigators attended the scene later in the day.
Swimmers warned: watch conditions SWIMMERS need to understand that each beach is different and conditions can change quickly. This is the message from Frankston Life Saving Club president Ash Presser, speaking after lifesavers rescued 19 people on a sweltering Saturday 3 January. A blustery afternoon cool change on the 40-degree day brought strong winds and big waves to the beach, putting hundreds of swimmers in danger. The number of rescues was a record for the club, which has 25 patrol members and is looking for more. Many of the rescues were outside flagged areas. Mr Presser said the need to treat other first aid incidents made the day “extremely busy”. He said the club was experiencing an increasing number of rescues outside patrolled areas – placing an unwelcome stretch on resources. Most people rescued were aged 16-30, with a quarter affected by alcohol and unable to cope with the rising seas and strong currents. Many had jumped off the pier and been caught in a rip or become stuck holding onto a pylon when the wind picked up. For club membership details, visit frankstonlsc.org.au, email lifesaving@frankstonlsc.org.au or call 0433 442 747. Stephen Taylor
Fire danger period Find out about how to prepare, and to see fire preparedness videos created by Frankston High School students at frankston.vic.gov.au/fireready
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Frankston Times 12 January 2015
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