According to a Japanese report, the explosions were caused by the burn-Ing of two Chinese-owned gasoline godowns in Pootung, opposite the Nantao Bund.
The Harbour Fire Brigade refloat Poochi under the command of Chief Omcer W. J. German was summoned to Nee Tee Shai Sing Wharf, Pootung, about 1 pin. and returned at 5 pin. after putting out the fire According to an eyewitness the] [rst explosion occurred at just before 1 pin, and this was followed by dense clouds of smoke. Two more explosions followed and property in the immegiste vicinity was. badly damaged.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.