Wellington wharf container blast investigated

The Fire Service is investigating why a shipping container exploded while being fumigated on the Wellington waterfront today.

The container, with a car inside, exploded at CentrePort on Aotea Quay about 5am.

The fire was contained and extinguished and fire crews had left the port.

Firefighters in splashsuits have been checking for hazardous chemicals but there was no danger from the fumigation chemicals, fire safety officer Russell Postlewaight said.

"Whatever was there has been burnt up and the only fuel source was actually the car itself."

The Fire Service, the Department of Labour and the port and fumigation companies would investigate but Mr Postlewaight said that at this stage there was nothing suspicious about the blast.

"It just looks like there has been a malfunction somewhere in the process."

No injuries have been reported.

- NZPA