Firefighter Loses Life and 2 Others Seriously Injured

Three more photos from the Tamahere fire including one which clearly shows the destroyed fire truck. Thanks to photographers Fiona Jackson and Sarah Hagenson.

Derek's funeral was held on Friday 11th April, 2008. It was an extremely moving occasion with a huge turnout of uniformed personnel from around the country. Three photos from the funeral have been added with thanks to Derek Quinn and photographers Sharon Christian, and John Pitchford.





Video links:- http://www.nzherald.co.nz/multimedia/video.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=...

http://www.tv3.co.nz/Video/MassiveexplosionrocksHamilton/tabid/309/...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/6597.html

http://www.111emergency.co.nz/INCIDENT-Icepak/HamiltonTribute.wmv (This is a recently made tribute video by Derek Quinn)

As posted around 2200hrs last night NZ time........

"7 firefighters were seriously injured, 3 are critical and fighting for their lives. One fire truck has been destroyed and another badly damaged after a large explosion at a 5th alarm fire today in Hamilton, New Zealand. The fire was in a coolstore south of Hamilton in a non reticulated area. Firefighters have been called in from several other towns and are still at the scene."

Just heard on the 0600hrs news this morning that one of the seriously hurt firefighters has died from his injuries.Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family, friends and workmates.
News & Media:

Firefighter loses life in cool store incident

6 April 2008

It is with profound regret the New Zealand Fire Service advises that
Senior Station Officer Derek Lovell has died from injuries sustained in an
explosion and fire at a cool store facility in Tamahere yesterday
afternoon.

SSO Lovell, along with seven others from his Hamilton based crew, had
responded to the incident at 4pm after reports of gas fumes coming from
one of the buildings in the complex. Whilst making entry into the
facility, an explosion occurred that injured all eight firefighters. Derek
Lovell was critically injured in the blast along with two of his
colleagues but died later in Waikato Hospital. His two colleagues are
still listed in a critical condition and four others are in a serious but
stable condition. One firefighter has subsequently been discharged.

National Commander, Mike Hall, will be in Hamilton today extending his
sympathies to Derek's family on behalf of the entire organisation. The
Fire Service will be providing full support and assistance to Mr Lovell's
family and to the other firefighters and their families involved in this
tragic incident.


http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1320238/1687685

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1...

Views: 850

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by LAURIE THOMPSON on April 5, 2008 at 3:58pm
i worked with derek in akl, it's hard to get ones head around this, my thoughts are with his family and work mates. laurie thompson.
Nigel CaponPermalink Reply by Nigel Capon on April 5, 2008 at 5:17pm
Laurie,

I have just replied to Gary Walker,

If I remember Derek was in Central Command at Ellerslie, when Gary was at Mt Wellington.
Permalink Reply by Bob Allard on April 6, 2008 at 7:44pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family and all who were there, May God be with all of you and Bless you.

Please Stay Safe.
Permalink Reply by Gary Walker on April 6, 2008 at 10:35pm
Thankyou Bob. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Many of my fellow Kiwi firefighters are discovering FF Nation and will be reading this discussion. All the very best to you and yours. God bless.
Permalink Reply by Smurf on April 7, 2008 at 8:15am
Hey Gary,

There are times that we seem to lose too many brothers way too fast. No matter how far away they are, it always hits home.

I'm sure I represent Toronto Fire fighters when I pass on my condolences to all the families and for a speedy recover to the injured.

God Bless.

Smurf
Permalink Reply by Gary Walker on April 7, 2008 at 11:51pm
Hi Smurf,

Thanks mate. Every kind word received is greatly appreciated. I knew Derek back when I was still in the job in Auckland. It is ironic and a little scary to think that he and 2 of the others injured had only transferred to Hamilton (I'm told), a few short months ago. One of those injured remains critical with 70% burns. Our hearts go out to his family also.

God Bless

Gary
Nigel CaponPermalink Reply by Nigel Capon on April 12, 2008 at 5:24am
Gary,
Was a very moving day, lot of Auckland guys were there, Griff, Peanuts, Sprates, Buster and just to name a few
Permalink Reply by Gary Walker on April 12, 2008 at 5:46am
Hi Nigel, It certainly was. Wish I could have been there. I did however watch the whole thing as streamed from TV3. It was over 3 hours long and I probably saw and heard a lot more than if I had been there standing outside.
Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on April 12, 2008 at 10:34am
Gary:
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend/your brother. Prayers to those who are still recovering from their serious injuries.
My condolences to all who are affected by this tragic incident.
Sincerely,
Art
Permalink Reply by Gary Walker on April 12, 2008 at 7:43pm
Thankyou xchief22. Your kind thoughts are very much appreciated and will be passed on.
I have read your recent blog,and your comments could very well be applied to this tragic incident as well.
Kindest regards
Gary
Permalink Reply by DOC'S FIRE ALARM PHOTO'S.ALSO BOX ALARMPRODUCTIONS.COM on April 13, 2008 at 7:08pm
IM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR FRIEND AND BROTHER
Permalink Reply by Gary Walker on April 14, 2008 at 12:42am
Thankyou Doc

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