ELECTROCUTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143767, 16 April 1912, Page 6

ELECTROCUTION.

DEATH OF A FIREMAN. I’er Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 15. At the inquest on Fireman W. R. MLean a verdict was returned that death was due to cardiac and respiratory failure, caused by a strong current of electricity passing through his body. Superintendent O’Brien stated that he instructed deceased to go on to the roof adjoining the burning building. MLean grasped the ironwork of the ladder, screamed and hung limp. Rubber gloves were procured, and a line was passed round the body, which was then removed. It was impossible to erect ladders in Wellington streets without touching wires. In this instance the heat from the fire had damaged the insulation. A medical witness said that death must have been instantaneous. It would have been unsafe to attempt to remove MLean sooner than was done. Another witness said that about five minutes elapsed before the body was freed.