NEARLY ELECTROCUTED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 September 1924, Page 9

NEARLY ELECTROCUTED.

WORKER’S NARROW ESCAPE

A “LIVE” WIRE STOPS FALL

WHANGAREI, Aug. 26

An unusual accident occurred this morning at the site of a new bridge in the borough. During the course of pile driving operations J. T Gwynne, a son of the contractor, had occasion to ascend to the top of the derrick in order to adjust a wire rope through a pulley. In carrying out this operation lie overbalanced. and put out his hand to steady himself, seizing an electric cable carrying 230 volts. Gwynne’s cries attracted the attention of his father and brother. The father immediately ascended the derrick and held on to his son in order to prevent him from falling to the bed of the creek below, a. distance of about 25ft. In the meantime the electrical power station attendants were advised and they promptly cut off the current.

After medical attention the sufferer was removed to the hospital, where he is progressing well and will only require a rest for a. day or two. M. Gwynne, senr., who held on to his son prior, to the current being cut off, is. suffering slightly from shock. Mr. W. J. Dawson, electrical superin. tendent for the borough, stated that Gwynne was a very lucky man to escape so lightly. Had lie seized hold of the next wire with his other hand and completed the circuit lie would have been instantly killed.