I feel so terrible for them : DIY campervan explodes at campsite
26 Jan, 2021 03:10 AM
3 minutes to read I feel so terrible for them : DIY campervan explodes at campsite. / LDR
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By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter
A couple from the United Kingdom has lost everything after the vehicle they were living in caught fire and exploded at a Marlborough camping site.
Emergency services responded to the fire at the Wairau Diversion, north of Blenheim, around 8.30pm on Monday after noticing smoke during a training session at the nearby river.
At the same time, the couple – who want to remain anonymous – were metres away eating dinner with other campers when they noticed smoke coming from their vehicle. We ran over, but within 30 seconds it was on fire, the man said.
Freedom camping sites in and around Picton might be down, but not out.
Picton, with the ferry terminal pictured.
Photo: RNZ / Matt Chatterton
Talks will begin next year between the Marlborough District Council and Port Marlborough over an appropriate spot to put freedom campers looking to use the ferries.
This comes weeks after two proposed sites were tossed from the seaside town, following opposition from residents and businesses.
The council s freedom camping subcommittee said in their decision document last month that many of Marlborough s campers used Picton s ferries, and a place was needed for them.
The first version of the bylaw suggested opening two sites in Picton, one by the marina and one off High St but this drew the ire of residents - and Port Marlborough, which declared the marina site a health and safety and security risk.