THE KUMARA MINING ACCIDENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 126, 15 July 1880, Page 3

THE KUMARA MINING ACCIDENT.

FINDING OF THE BODIES. [By Telegraph.] Kumara, July 13. After most hazardous work, the recovery party discovered the body of Denis Whelan yesterday, at 1 o’clock, but it was after 11 o’clock before the body was thoroughly released and brought to the surface. The examination of the body conclusively proved that death had been instantaneous, while the victim was in the act of running for the shaft, and a set of lathes had struck him on the back, breaking it, and inflicting serious injury to the chest. The body was immediately dressed, coflined, and removed to town. The body of John Whelan was found in close proximity at 1 o’clock last night, but although every exertion was used, the body has not yet been got cut as the ground is very dangerous for the party at work. It is expected to be brought to the surface to-night. Cummins, one of the injured men, is now in the hospital, but his life is despaired of, as he is sinking rapidly. The inquest on Denis Whelan’s body commences at 8 o’clock to-morrow morning, and will probably be adjourned until after the funeral. The general opinion is that Government hould appoint an Inspector of Mines in he district, and report on this case. Philip Cumins, one of the men injured, died in the hospital last night. The inquest commenced this morning on the body of Denis Whelan. The inspector of works in his evidence said that at nil times the contractor has taken a great interest in, and done all in his power to carry out the work safely and in accordance with the specification. The inquest wrs adjourned until after the funeral of Cumins and Denis Whelan. A large number of witnesses’ evidence has yet to be taken. It is very probable that the body of John Whelan will be got out of the tunnel to-night, although the ground is constantly running, and is frightfuly dangerous to the recovering party.