FATAL EXPLOSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21982, 13 December 1934, Page 15

FATAL EXPLOSION

PAINT SHOP ACCIDENT DEATH OF GISBORNE MAN EVIDENCE AT INQUEST [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] GISBORNE, Wednesday An inquest concerning the death of Eric Edward Mellor, aged 39, following burns received after an explosion in the Auto Refinishing Company's workshop, Gisborne, was held to-day before Mr. E. L. Walton, S.M., coroner. Evidence was given by two employees of the company that about 8.10 p.m. on Monday deceased went to the rear of the factory to obtain paint from a paint shop. They heard a noise and deceased call out. Deceased then rushed out of the paintshop with his clothing 011 fire. Witnesses extinguished the flames and sent for medical aid. The bench in the paintshop was found to be burning but the outbreak was soon suppressed. Oil the bench were tins of paint, oil, benzine and duco, all highly inflammable. it was dark when deceased went into the paintshop, and as he did not take a torch it was presumed he must have used a match or a benzine lighter. Usually there was an electric light in the room, but 011 that occasion there \\;ns 110 bulb, it having been removed. Deceased was wearing his usual work clothes, which had been constantly in contact with paint, benzine and duco. The coroner returned a verdict that death was due to shock following extensive burns accidentally received.