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...