MINER STRUCK MATCH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 936, 5 December 1933, Page 7

MINER STRUCK MATCH.

Cause of Fatal Explosion at Paparoa. GREYMOUTH, December 5. An inquest was held to-day concerning the death of Francis M’Quaid, which occurred in the Paparoa mine on November 27, when a gas explosion occurred. Evidence was given that the explosion originated at M’Quaid’s working place. A tin containing tobacco was found in his coat pocket and a box containing live matches was on the ground, also a portion of a cigarette and a spent match. The Coroner (Mr W. Meldrum) returned the following verdict:—“That deceased came to his death at the Paparoa mine on November 27 from severe burns, shock and suffocation caused by an explosion of gas in the mine. The evidence shows that a deputy inspected the place at 7.10 a.m. and found no sign of gas present; and that an escape of gas had subsequently taken place from a cavity between the coal roof and the stone above, fed through a crack caused by the sinking of the coal roof. The evidence further shows that the explosion started in the place where deceased was working and was caused by the deceased striking a match to light a cigarette.”