KEY POINTS:
A fire ball and series of gas explosions which led to the shutdown of Kawerau pulp and paper mill yesterday was caused by faulty machinery.
Kawerau fire station officer Neil Patrick said a malfunction in some of the equipment resulted in flammable gases accumulating and exploding.
"Fortunately there were no injuries, there was no personnel working in the immediate area at the time, which was lucky," he told NZPA.
"It had the potential to be quite serious."
The eastern Bay of Plenty plant closed yesterday so an investigation could begin.
The factory was due to be closed today anyway for a routine maintenance check, Mr Patrick said.
- NZPA
