POWER HOUSE TRAGEDY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 111, 23 February 1950, Page 5

POWER HOUSE TRAGEDY

—. EXPLOSION KILLS WORKMAN WENT TO HELP MATE (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) (Rec. 10.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. When a Ukrainian labourer employed as a cleaner in the White Bay power house accidentally touched an 11,000-volt power line,., an Australian workmate who went to his assistance was burned to death, and the resultant damage stopped every electric • train in Sydney for nearly an hour.

The Ukrainian, who had been emloyed at the power house, and whose command of English was imperfect, was cleaning a surge arrester when his right hand touched a live part. He screamed for help, and fell writhing to the floor, whereupon James Roots (38), rushed in to drag him clear. An explosion occurred, and Roots was hurled across the room. He was shockingly injured and all his clothes except his boots was burned from his body. He died early to-day. The Ukrainian and two of his fellow countrymen were treated for injuries, but were allowed to leave hospital. Meanwhile chaos occurred on all suburban railway lines, where 200,000 people were held up in stationary trains or stranded on platforms.

Members of the Railways Union have previously protested concerning the employment of displaced persons in positions where safety precautions have to be exercised.

This week the drivers staged astrike at the main Sydney goods yards because they were assigned migrant loaders whoni they alleged could not read the safety signals.