HUMAN BULLET

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 28 September 1927, Page 5

HUMAN BULLET

FALL FROM 110 FEET. MAN UNINJURED. Lithgow, Sept. 17"I’ll admit 1 am the luckiest man alive to-day,” said John French, after he had been safely hauled to the ground from a fall from 110 feet high, which was broken in an amazing manner. He added that the experience was one he did not wish to repeat. French, with three other riggers, was working on a chimney-stack at the State Coal Mine when one of the scaffolding ropes gave.way, and he was precipitated head first into space. His three companions managed to maintain a precarious hold, but they naturally expected French was doomed. But, on looking over, they marvelled to see him swinging in space from the guttering of a rool .50 feet below and 60 feet from the ground. In his hurtling downwards flight the toe of hh boot had caught on the guttering of the building, and, despite, the severe wrench, it managed to hold, whilst French had the presence of mind to keep perfectly still, although his body was swayed by the rather strong wind which blew. His plight was, of course, immediately noticed, and quickly he was held by ropes made into a “bo’sun’s cradle” and released.

Asked as to his feelings. French said that when descending he felt like a human bullet, whilst his suspension was terrifying, as every momen 1 he expected to fall. His injuries are negligible. In his flight the blood rushed to his head, and he bled rather profusely at the nose; but his only real injury is a sprained foot. However, not unnaturally, he is suffering severely from shock.