FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE WATERWORKS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1024, 1 August 1879, Page 2

FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE WATERWORKS.

An accident of a very serious nature, and attended, it is believed, with fatal results, occurred at five o'clock last evening, at one of the tunnels on the waterworks connected with the Oamaru water supply. Three men named Patrick Ford (the contractor), Patrick Markham, and Paul Fitzpatrick, wore engaged lining with masonry about 30 feet of the twentyeight chain tunnel at the south end. This tunnel is composed partly of limestone, brown sandstone, and loose gravel and earth. It was the portion formed of the loose stuff that was being lined. This had been carefully protected with timber on being pierced some eighteen months since, and though the work of substituting a stone lining for the timber protection was looked upon as being one requiring care, it was not deemed vary dangerous. Part of the stone walls, had been built in, and the three men named were engaged removing earth from above the woodwork, in order to make room for the keystone, and had removed a large quantity when the earth which had been deprived of this protection collapsed, and a tremendous fall took place, the timber work being smashed by the falling mass. The men were completely buried, but Ford saved himself to some extent by laying down close under the stone work, which shielded him partly from the effects of the falling earth. Shortly after the occurrence some twenty-four men congre-

gated at the scene of the disaster, and formed themselves into a relieving party, working in small relays, the confined space and the dangerous nature of the work of removing the earth from off the unfortunate men rendering it impossible for many to work at a time. News was also despatched to town, and Dr. Garland proceeded to the place at 8 o'clock, an express being also sent out to convey the sufferers to their homes on being relieved; The tunnel was entered from the upper end, and the workmen had to wade knee-deep in water and mud to the scene of their painful labors. The work was carried on gallantly and systematically, every man working with a will despite the dangerous nature of the operations and the unpleasantness of the surroundings. That the work was dangerous was evidenced by the repeated falls of earth that took place, and which greatly retarded the relieving of the buried men. After working some hours, Ford was at length reached, but it was long after this before he could be got out. In the meantime he was supplied by Dr. Garland with draughts of coffee and brandy. About five o'clock Ford was released, and it was then ascertained that his left thigh was broken. This was bandaged up by the doctor, and the sufferer removed to his home, where the broken limb was set, and Ford soon afterwards fell into a calm sleep. He is, we are pleased to learn, doing very well, and every hope of his recovery is entertained. Up to the time of our writing neither Fitzpatrick nor Markham have been got out, and there is little doubt that both have perished. They must either have been crushed to death by the weight of the esarth on top of them or liavo been suffocated long ere this. The work of endeavoring to get them out is still being carried on, but it ia probable that it will not be successful for some time. The injury to. the tunnel is very great, and a large sum will be necessary to repair the damage. Since writing the above, Markham's body has been recovered, and as Fitzpatriok'S face c.ould be seen when we last heard from the scene of the disaster, it is probable that his body will be recovered this evening.