ESCAPE FROM FIRE.
EXIT THROUGH WINDOW. CHRISTCHURCH, January 13. Carrying his wife through the window to a temporary fire escape, Mr J. D. M'Kay made his lucky escape from a two-storeyed wooden building on lire at 793 Colombo street at 1.30 this morning Mr and Mrs M'Kay lived in the top of the premises, the ground floor of which was occupied by Mr M'Kay’s confectionary shop. Smoko and flames poured up the staircase from below cutting off all means of escape, except the window, and this was stuck fast.
Mr M'Kay tried to close the door, . but was unable to do so in face of the terrific heat and volume of flame, and was driven back. Not thinking to smash the window he exerted all his strength to open it. and at last succeeded. By this time Airs M'Kay was almost in a state of collapse, and refused to climb out. in front of her husband. Finally he was compelled to get out first dragging her after him. Mrs M'Kay collapsed when they got outside and, half carrying her, Mr M'Kav scrambled along the top of the verandah to safety. The other occupants of the building were awakened by the smoke and made a» hasty exit.
The building, which i» owned by Mr B. Shillito, was considerably damaged. The contents and building were insured for £250 with the Royal Exchange Assurance.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19270118.2.63
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 15
Word Count
231ESCAPE FROM FIRE. Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 15
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