FALL OF EARTH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 300, 18 December 1937, Page 11

FALL OF EARTH

WORKMAN KILLED VERDICT OE ACCIDENT. TRAGEDY ON PARAPARA. A verdict of accidental death was returned by the district coroner, Mr. 1 S. M. Dixon, J.P., at a ninquest yesterday morning on Roderick Robert •reckenridge, married man, aged 29 years, who was killed by a fall of earth on the Parapara Road on December 6. In returning his verdict, the coroner said that from the evidence it was quite clear that no blame was attachable to anyone. It was one of those unfortunate accidents which might happen at any time in papa country. He was sure that the men would watch each other’s interests and that the Public Works Department would take the necessary precautions in the interests of the men’s safety.

Dr. J. W. Anderson said that the cause of death was asphyxia and that the injuries were consistent with Breckenridge having been crushed. Ewen George McConachy, labourer, said that Breckenridge, himself and two other men were engaged in removing a face of earth near the 31mile peg on the Parapara Road on December 6. Several shots had been fired, the last being fired about 11 a.m. About 11.20 a.m. he saw a fall of earth coming down and saw Breckenridge struck by it. He appeared to be jammed against his barrow and went black in the face almost immediately. He thought that Breckenridge, who did not speak a word, had been killed instantaneously. The fall of earth was caused by a greasy bank. Falls like this were not unusual and nothing could be done to prevent; them. All reasonable precautions had been taken.

Reginald Cyril Chapman, labourer, said that he was working with Breckenridge, who had commented that a fall might come down and had said that they should be careful. About 10 minutes later the fall came down. Witness was able to jump aside and avoid it but Breckenridge was struck and jammed against his barrow. He was buried with the exception of his head. He did not speak and went black in the face. The barrow was smashed by the force of the fall.