Boiler Explosion.

Hastings Standard, Issue 422, 10 September 1897, Page 3

Boiler Explosion.

ONE MAN KILLED AND OTHERS INJURED.

A mining accident occurred at the Lagoon, about 10 miles from Bathurst, New South Wales, on Friday, the 27th ult. A parly known as Weine's have been working alluvial ground in the locality for several month*, and as the prospects were such as to encourage sluicing on a largo scale, an engine and boiler were set up and started work, putting through a small parcel of stone. The fire was lighted about 6 o'clock, and steam was got up preparatory to a formal start. About 8 o'clock Lawrence Guthe, William Bawson, John Weine and others; were clearing the ground around the engine, ready for the reception of washdirt. They were working within 12 paces of the boiler, when suddenly a terrible explosion occurred, and instantly a dense cloud of dust and debris was thrown into the air. Rawson and Guthe, who were near the boiler, received the full force of the explosion. Guthe was killed instnntly, his terribly mutilated. His companion received a terrible wound in the face, and was rendered unconscious. One thigh was broken, and also one hand. He also sustained a scalp wound and other serious injuries. J. Weine was thrown into a cutting received injuries to the thigh and face. A messenger galloped into Bathurst, and Dr Machattie drove out and attended the wounded men. Rawson was brought to the Bathurst Hospital, but there is no hope of his recovery. Gutlie's body was found 40yds from the spot where he \vas working. It is surmised that the boiler struck him when Hying through the air. His legs were cut off at the knees, and were lying some distance from his body, which was fca;fully mutilated. In the absence of the coroner from the town the deputy-coroner, Dr. Prichard Bassett, visited the scene of the accident and held an inquest. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and added a rider to the effect that they did not consider blame attachable to anybody.