Two injured at Ara

Two people suffered minor injuries in an incident at a Christchurch polytechnic originally thought to involve an exploding gas bottle. Emergency services were called to Ara Institute of Canterbury about 3.30pm yesterday. Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman Andrew Norris said they were originally alerted when the sprinkler system was activated.

They were then called to reports a gas bottle had exploded. However, Ara communications adviser Breeze Robertson said the incident was caused by contractors who inadvertently ignited vapours generated from a contact adhesive.A St John said two patients were ‘‘assessed and treated at the scene’’.

One ambulance was sent, as well as a St John manager’s vehicle.