TRAPPED IN A SEWER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8125, 23 March 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

TRAPPED IN A SEWER.

DUNEDIN, Mabch 3. A very heavy fall of rain, which was accompanied by distant thnnder, took place this afternoon, and nearly led to loss of life. Mr Mirame, City Engineer, Mr Cuthbert, C.E., of Christchurch, Mr B. Hay, C.E., and a Corporation employee, named Sandilands, went into the main sewer to inspect it, in connection with a law suit arising out of the late floods, and before the man on the look out could give them warning, a tremendous downpour of rain commenced. In a few seconds ah immense body of water was finding its way into the sewer from the hills, and this reached the party in the sewer while they were about 200 yards from the entrance. The water rose from a few inches to about . sft. It was with the utmost difficulty that the party Kept themselves'from beingswept off their feet by the rushing water, and they were becoming -weaker and weaker by the absence of fresh air/ which had no room to circulate. They stuck together, and by clinging to the top and sides they managed to hold on till the manhole was reached. A last final effort prevented their being swept past, and Mr Hay clambering on the shoulders of the others managed to get out, and the rest were assisted out in a pitiable plight. They received many severe bruises, and were thoroughly exhausted. No dangexous results are anticipated. Sandilands suffered most. He was a short man, and the water was up to his chin. Mr Hay managed ' time after time to keep him from being swept away.