HAND BLOWN OFF

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 139, 15 June 1932, Page 8

HAND BLOWN OFF

PREMATURE EXPLOSION ACCIDENT ABOARD LAUNCH PATIENT’S TERRIBLE ORDEAL ( Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 14. When killing sharks with gelignite off Great Mercury Island, a fisherman, George Mazuren, aged 23, single, received serious injuries as the result of a premature explosion. His right hand was blown off and his arm shattered, while he received injuries to his chest. Ho is now in Coromandel hospital and his condition is improving. With several companions, Mazuren was fishing from a launch around the northern end of Coromandel Peninsula, and as the sharks were troublesome a member of the party decided to drive them away by throwing gelignite in the water. Mazuren was about to tfaow two sticks of gelignite when the charge exploded in his hand. The explosion shattered his arm and caused other injuries. It was at first thought that it would be better to proceed direct to Coromandel where medical aid could be obtained, but the weather was so bad that the launch could not be taken round Cape Colville. It was then decided to go to Kennedy’s Bay on the eastern coast of the peninsula, an t d on arrival a telephone message was sent to Coromandel for medical assistance. Dr. Shortt, of Coromandel, set out at about ten o’clock at night on horseback to cross the range and some hours later reached the bay. In the meantime, first-aid had been given by Mr. R. Be‘ll, a visiting dentist. It was" then decided to take the injured man to Mercury Bay by launch, and he was subsequently conveyed by motor to Coromandel hospital. Throughout the ordeal Mazuren did not lose consciousness.