MAN BADLY BURNED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18763, 17 July 1924, Page 8

MAN BADLY BURNED.

EXPLOSION OF BENZINE. MISTAKEN FOR KEROSENE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] BLENHEIM. Wednesday An accident which illustrates the danger attending the thoughtless use of benzine occurred at Picton yesterday, resulting in a man named James Mills being very badly burned. Mr. Mills, who resides with his brother-in-law, Mr. W. S. Boese, was lighting the kitchen fire, and as it proved stubborn he poured upon it what he took to 'be kerosene, using an ordinary four-gallon tin which was about ■half-full. The fcin, however, contained benzine.

There was an immediate explosion, the blazing spirit being thrown in all directions. Mr. Mills was at once enveloped in flames, but had sufficient presence of mind to rush from the house and roll in an adjacent water-hole.

Meantime an alarrn had been given, and neighbours were quickly on the spot. The flames in the kitchen were extinguished before any very serious damage was done. Mr. Mills, w]ho was vejy badly burned about the face and body, was quickly conveyed to the Picton Hospital, where he lies in a serious condition. He is about 45 years of age, and by occupation a fisherman.