WOMANS DEATH FROM BURNS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27147, 17 September 1953, Page 10

WOMANS DEATH FROM BURNS

CORONER’S COMMENT AT INQUEST “ POORLY PROTECTED ”, RADIATOR A verict of death caused by shock and toxaemia due to extensive burns «I lsln s from an accident on August 20 when an electric heater, “poorly protected.” came into contact with her clothing, was returned by the Coroner (Mr E. B. E. Taylor) when the inquest into toe death of Nettie Simpson, aged 65, single, on August 23, was concluded yesterday. It was a very unfortunate accident, the Coroner said. William Harrison Ell wood, a retired attendant, said the dividing fence on the north side of his property adjoined Miss Simpson's property. “About 8 a.m. on August 20, I saw flames over the top of toe fence,” said Ellwood. “I looked over and saw Miss Simpson on fire at the back door of her house. I shouted to my wife and got the step ladder and climbed over the fence. I found a wet sack lying on the grass in the garden and with it I extinguished the flames on Miss Simpson. Her lower garments disintegrated when I beat the flames out. Woollen garments around her chest and shoulders were smouldering.” Witness said that he had found a fan-shaped electric heater lying on its side beside the range in Miss Simpson’s kitchen. The heater was going, and it appeared that Miss Simpson’s lower garments had come in contact with it and burst into flames. Sergeant B. R. Alty said he had visited Miss Simpson’s house in the afternoon, of the fire and had seen toe electric radiator. “The element has no protecting bars and toe bottom of the element is broken away from the metal holder. In my opinion it is a very dangerous type of radiator as there is nothing to prevent clothing of the user from coming in direct contact with the element,*’ he Said. Dr. George Grundy, of Burwood Hospital, said it was estimated that from 46 to 50 per cent, of the body area was covered with burns, mostly third degree. At 12.20 p.m. on August 21 an operation was performed on Miss Simpson and her condition that night was satisfactory, said witness. In the morning of the following day Miss Simpson complained of severe pain in the thighs and had extreme difficulty in breathing. Her condition improved with treatment and that night she appeared very well. However, at 9 a.m. on August 23 it became apparent that her condition was deteriorating and her heart was failing. She gradually went into a coma and died at 3.30 n.m.

Dr. C. T. B. Pearson, a pathologist, said he had examined the body and it was reasonable to assume that death was caused by shock and toxaemia due to extensive burns.