DEATH AT THAMES.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18761, 8 October 1932, Page 5

DEATH AT THAMES.

CONDITION OF FIRE ESCAPE. COMMENTS BY THE CORONER. THAMES, Friday. An inquest concerning the death of Mr Michael Edward Leydon, aged 54, who fell from a fire escape at the Salutation Hotel, Thames, on September 29, and subsequently died In hospital, was held before the coroner yesterday. The coroner, In returning a verdict of death by misadventure, said the question of the condition of the fire escape entered into the 'cause of death. He had inspected tho fire escape and it appeared to him that the accident might have happened to anyone even escaping from a fire at the, hotel. The fire escape was a death trap, and should not have been In ihe condition it was. The timber was very rotlc.n where It joined a stay. The coroner said lie fell. Justified In adding to his verdict that the condition and general structure of fire escapes as permitted needed overhauling. Precautions should lie taken to prevent such happenings in future.