CARPENTER ELECTROCUTED

Evening Star, Issue 19857, 4 May 1928, Page 6

CARPENTER ELECTROCUTED

AN UNUSUAL ACCIDENT CAUSE A MYSTERY Up till to-day, the demolition of the old Post Office buildings had happily boon free from any serious forms of accidents, but this morning, at 11.45, a very distressing incident occurred, resulting in the death by electrocution oi James Crawford, a married man, residing at Corstorphine road, Cayersbam. The cause of the electrocution of the unfortunate victim is so far a complete mystery. Crawford was seen making his way up to repair a portion of the chute, when he called out to turn off tho power, and it was then found that he had received a severe shock from a bar which he had gripped while making his way up the chute. His workmate immediately rushed to the switch, where he also received a shock, but tho current had not sufficient strength to cause him any harm. Ho eventually turned the switch off with a piece of wood, after which ho found Crawford lying on tho ground. He immediately summoned Dr Speight, who fo I that nothing could be done for the unlucky victim, death being instantaneous. It is reported that tho men had been climbing up and down at the place where the disaster occurred for months, but never before had there been any sign of life in the bar, which, so far as is known, had no connection with live wires. A sudden defect seemed to electrify tho whole of the structure, used as a quarry, for several of the other employees were also subjected to minor shocks. After the power was cut off, demolition operations ceased in order to permit of a, thorough investigation of the plant, and tho cause of the tragedy.