TUNNEL COLLAPSES.
WORKMEN BURIED BY FALL. DEATH AFTER TRYING ORDEAL. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 13. Crushed beneath a fall of earth in a tunnel at Mornfngslde at 1.30 this morning, William Everett, of Wairna Street, Grey Lynn, went through a terrible ordeal before expiring. His body was rescued at 11.50 a.m. For' almost three hours Everett was able to call out to men who were engaged in endeavouring to rescue him. “Can you get me out of this?” he called several times to the workers, who were with all speed, attempting to reach him. “Is there any hope for me?” were the last words heard from him at 4 a.m. “Yes, we are coming. We will rescue you,” the men replied. But another fall of earth took place, covering Everett completely, and after that only gurgling sounds were heard.
Everett was employed by Grinter Bros., drainage contractors, engaged on a new sewer for Edendale district. Everett relieved George Sage, who had been on the previous shift from 4 o’clock till midnight. He was assisted by Betrand Segrave, a trucker, who was his shiftmate. About 1.30 a.m., Everett was placing side timbers in position, when, without warning, the face came away and completely covered him. Segrave, who was standing about a yard further back towards the tunnel mouth, was caught round the legs by falling earth, but was able to extricate himself. Everett called out to him and asked whether he was all right. ‘‘Yes,” replied S 'grave. “Can you get me out of this?” Everett then asked. Seagrave tried to get Everett' clear, but could not, and went for assistance. He got some neighbours and the contractor, as well as other helpers from town. They worked strenuously. Thomas McEwan (foreman) took charge of operations, and by 4 a.m. they had almost cleared the fall to where Everett was trapped. They then heard him ask if there was any hope of getting him out. They replied that there was, and worked feverishly.
It was then that another fall of earth occurred, and after that only gurgling sounds were heard. It is presumed that there was a greasy back or fault between the papa rock and clay, and that this gave way.
Everett was married, with four children.
TUNNEL COLLAPSES.
Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18009, 14 July 1928, Page 8
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