LINESMAN KILLED

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20955, 8 September 1933, Page 3

LINESMAN KILLED

FALL FROM POWER POLE CONTACT WITH LIVE WIRE (srBCIAt, TO TUB PB*S3.) TIMARU, September 7. Philip Gosney, aged 47, a linesman, employed by the Tirnaru Municipal Electricity Department, was killed this afternoon while working on a pole at the corner of Selwyn street and Waiiti road. His left thumb was burned through coming into contact with a live wire, and he fell backwards over some wires to the ground, about 20 feet below, on to the footpath beside his workmate, Mr A. J. Rankin, who, however, did not see the accident. Gosney was working on the pole, joining up new mains now being installed. The lines concerned were carrying 400 volts, and were insulated. The power was not turned off on the lines on which Gosney was working, it being considered safe for men to carry out duties on such wires. When he fell Gosney suffered a compound fracture of the right ankle. Dr. C. A. Patterson was called to the scene, but after applying artificial respiration for some time without success could only pronounce the man dead. Gosney, who was a married man, with 11 children, lived at 26 Brown street. He had been in the employ of the municipality for about 10 years. An inquest will be opened to-morrow morning.