FOOTBALL MATCH STOPPED BY LIGHTNING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1802, 18 December 1896, Page 3

FOOTBALL MATCH STOPPED BY LIGHTNING.

A PLAYER KILLED-FIVE INJURED. One of the most extraordinary and at the same time one of the most lamentable occurrences ever chronicled in connection with the game of football occurred at Liverpool on Saturday, October 11. Two junior teams met to play in Newnham Park, when a thunderstorm, of which an overcast sky had for some time announced the approach, broke cut with terrific violence. Suddenly there came a flash of lightning blinding in its intensity, followed by a crashing peal of thunder. For a moment everybody stopped, dazed; then on recovering themselves, the players who remained on their feet saw a number of their companions lying about the field. It was at once realised that they had been stricken by lightning, one poor fellow, Thomas Watson, aged eighteen, presenting an awful spectacle. His clothing had been burnt here and there as if by fire, and was literally torn to shreds, the portion over the chest and region of the heart being reduced to tinder. A doctor was at once sent for, and on arrival pronounced life to be extinct. Five others were found to be injured. Watson was weariog a cap surmounted by a steel button, which must have attracted the electric fluid, as he was found to exhibit all the appearances of concussion of the brain. Another player was severely injured by the passage of the current down his right Bide, and the other throe were temporarily stunned and blinded.. The news of the strange disaster created a deep sensation throughout the district. _ u At the inquest evidence was given to the effect that as the Prescot team were entering the park, where they were to play a match several of them were struck by a flash of lightning. Watson was instantaneously killed, and two others were badly injured and removed to the hospital. The doctor who examined deceased said that death resulted from shock by lightning. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.