Pilot injured in explosion 
2003 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
Pilot injured in explosion
30 April 2002
A 29-year-old helicopter pilot blew his right hand off yesterday while handling explosives on a farm near Raurimu, 34km southeast of Taumarunui.
It is understood Doug Banks found some Power Gel explosive in a shed on Pairawa Hipi Station, a deer farm where he worked, and lit the fuse.
Before he could throw the explosive away, it went off in his hand.
Farm manager Shawn Ireland told the Times today he administered first aid.
"I knew I had to stop the blood. I put a tourniquet on it and hoped like hell. There was not much I could do."
Then Mr Ireland told a farm worker to dial 111.
Mr Banks was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance staff before being airlifted by rescue helicopter to Waikato Hospital where he had surgery yesterday. He was said to be in good spirits today.
Mr Ireland said he could not say much more until the police and Occupational Safety and Health had investigated the accident.
Submitted on 04/29/2002
Submitted by:
Bob
Reference:
NZ Stuff website - 30/4/2002
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