Tributes for blast victim

Mr Crown had just started work on dismantling this tank when it exploded. Photo / NZPA

Colleagues of a man killed when a fuel tank exploded in a Hamilton suburb are being offered counselling.

Kenneth Joseph Crown, 55, a metal recycler from Hamilton, died on Tuesday when he was struck by a flying lid after the disused petroleum tank he was dismantling with welding gear exploded.

Mr Crown was working as a contractor for CMA Recycling at the Petroleum Services site in Pukete.

Craig Tuhoro, general manager at Hamilton-based CMA Recycling, said yesterday Mr Crown was a valued friend and colleague to staff and management.

"Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ken's partner and family and we will be assisting in supporting them in any way we can.

"The company will also be offering counselling to staff and family as required.

"We will be carrying out our own investigation into this tragic accident and will fully co-operate with the appropriate authorities involved.

"Until this investigation has been completed, we would prefer not to make any comment."

Petroleum Services manager David Kraakman said the company was devastated by Mr Crown's death.

"We have a very good safety record and there's no way an event like this should have happened at one of our sites.

"I didn't know the guy, and I think he'd only been working at the site on Monday and Tuesday.

"I understand he was very experienced at what he did."

Mr Crown had just started work on dismantling the tank when the explosion occurred.

Fire Service Waikato area commander Roy Breeze said it was believed the welding equipment ignited petrol fumes in the tank, causing the explosion,

Mr Crown's workmates tried to resuscitate him and ambulance officers and firefighters worked on him for some time but he could not be revived.

The tank was one of several being broken down for scrap metal.

"When you get an enclosed container that has had even the smallest amount of flammable liquid in it, and then to introduce a flame or spark or something like a gas cutter, you are asking for a huge explosion," Mr Breeze said.

He said the tank looked like it had been opened with a can opener.

Police have referred the death to the coroner.

The Department of Labour is investigating.

- NZPA