'He was my son and one of the good guys'- Father of blast victim speaks out

The father of a contractor who was killed in a deadly explosion yesterday says his son was a "good guy" who was taken too soon.

Jamey Lee Bowring, 24, of Huntly, died in an explosion at an industrial site in South Auckland.

Speaking to NZME News Service this afternoon, Jamey's father Tony Bowring said his feelings were "all over the place" today.

"He was my son and one of the good guys anyone that knew him would know that, he was doing so well with himself and going places with his life."

One contractor was killed and four people were injured when a tank exploded at Salters Cartage. Photo / Nick Reed

Mr Bowring said his son was too young for the tragic accident to have happened to him.
"He had so much going for him."

He said his heart went out to his son's mother, and his two brothers and three sisters.

"We all have you in our hearts and always will."

Emergency services rushed to the industrial site. Photo / Greg Bowker

Yesterday's explosion rocked buildings kilometres from the scene and sent eyewitnesses diving for cover. It was so violent that one nearby worker thought an aircraft had come down.

Salters Cartage managing director Ron Salter said two contractors had been on site, measuring some walkways. One decided to do some welding, without permission, causing a tank to explode.

Today tributes for Mr Bowring have continued to pour in over social media.

Brandon Ackers paid tribute to his friend on Facebook.

A large fragment of what is believed to be a fuel tank has been propelled about 100 through the air and landed on the roof of a car. Photo / Greg Bowker

"Words can't explain feelings right now but feel robbed and hurt, feel like a plastic bag is wrapped around my heart and it's suffocating, I miss you so much my brother and were taken from us way to early.

"I will never forget the good and bad times we had together, mainly drifting and welding, love you and will miss you always."

Another friend wrote that he always managed to "put a smile on anyone's dial".

"He was always so happy and always having a laugh."

Craig Snell, a friend of Mr Bowring, said after knowing him for around eight years "we were like brothers".

"His father looked out for me like I was family," he told NZME News Service.

"I miss him so much, it was not long ago he came to visit. It was the highlight of my day as we don't see each other as much now.

"I just want to send my love to his family and everyone who loved him. "I'll never forget my sweetheart. R.I.P Jamey."

Mr Bowring's death has been referred to the coroner.