BOY SCOUT TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17141, 22 April 1919, Page 4

BOY SCOUT TRAGEDY.

ONE KILLED, 8 INJURED. ACCIDENT AT TRENTHAM. LADS SECURE EXPLOSIVES. DEADLY AMATEUR BOMB. [BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION j WELLINGTON, Monday. A tragedy occurred at Trentham Camp yesterday afternoon, when, as tho result of an explosion, a boy scout was killed almost instantly and three other scoot; were seriously injured. Following are the details of the casualties: — Kenneth Waugb, killed. Thomas Toiler, seriously injured with gunshot wound in left side. Raymond Drake, several wounds in side. arms, and face. Robert Clark, gunshot wounds in right eye. A party of Boy Scouts from Lower Hutt and Petone were paying a visit to Trentham Camp,, and in the afternoon were carrying out manoeuvres in the trenches at the rear'of the camp. In these trenches the lads came across a small store of explosives, and finding an empty shell-case near by, set out, with boyish enthusiasm, to see if they could make an explosion. Powder was rammed home in the she!:case, and a train was laid to it. The deceased, Kenneth Waugh, set fire to the trail, but was apparently unable to get awav to a place of safety before the explosion occurred. Likewise, the boys Drake, Clarke, and Toiler were too near the danger zone. A terrific explosion took place, and. when the smoke cleared away, the four boys were seen to have been seriously injured. Waugh was 60 severely hurt that he died within a few minutes. The three other boys were removed as quickly as possible to Trentham Hospital. VoLer is reported to be in a critical condition. There is some doubt as to whether a portion of the shell penetrated his abdomen. Clark fi injuries are chiefly to the right eye. It is stated that there were between 16 and 20 boys in the vicinity when the explosion took place. The report cculd be heard about a mile away. The parents of the unfortunate toy* were immediately communicated with, and everything ssible was done by t!,a camp authorities for the injured lads.