TRAPED BY FLAMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6812, 16 January 1929, Page 8

TRAPED BY FLAMES

FATAL TE KUITI FIRE,

TRAGIC FATE OF PLUMBER. TE KUITI, .Tan. 14. A fire resulting in the death of Mr. Amos Augustus Avery, a plumber, and the complete destruction of the top floor of the two-storey wooden building occupied by Mr. A. Blackman, cabinetmaker and undertaker, occurred this morning. Mr. Blackman, who is deputymayor, is confined to the local hospital suffering from burns. Mr. Blackman and Mr. Avery, who was assisting him, were working on the top floor, when suddenly the blow-lamp being used by Mr. Avery exploded. Before the two men had time to escape they were enveloped in flames and smoke.

When the firo was discovered a local railway employee rushed to the scene, and dashed upstairs. He found Mr. Avery trapped in the doorway and desperately attempting to make an exit. He was dragged out in a shocking condition, all the clothes having been burned off him. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but in spite of every effort to save his life, he died two and a-half hours later. Mr. Blackman succeeded in getting out of the burning building with great difficulty. Meanwhile the fire was raging and a largo crowd had collected. After a strenuous fight lasting an hour, the brigade managed to gain control, and also to save the first floor of the building. A‘quantity of inflammable material was lying near tho lamp when it exploded and it is evident that Mr. Avpry was surrounded by flames in a few seconds: He was about 45 years of age and was very well-known and highly respected. He leaves a widow and seven children, most of whom are very young. Mr. Blackman is suffering from shock in addition to burns and will be confined to bed for several days. The building was insured with the State Office for £275. An inquest into the death of Mr. Avery will bo held before the district coroner to-morrow morning.