New Zealand

Shipping container hanging above LPG cylinders put back in proper position

11:56 am on 13 February 2021

Emergency services have managed to prevent a shipping container from dropping onto LPG cylinders and exploding at a KiwiRail yard in Christchurch.

The KiwiRail container terminal on Matipo St in Christchurch. Photo: Google Maps

Five fire crews and a hazard unit were called out to the KiwiRail container yard on Matipo St in Riccarton, where one container in a stack of shipping containers was not sitting correctly, above some bulk LPG cylinders.

A crane was brought in to stabilise it and Fire and Emergency spokesman Riwai Grace said there has been a safe outcome.

Police evacuated nearby businesses and people were asked to avoid Matipo Street between Princess Street and Wrights Road, but those streets have now reopened.

Worksafe is launching an investigation into the incident.