Gelignite Explosion.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1922, Page 1

Gelignite Explosion.

! KUMARA MAN INJURED. | j A shocking accident happened to AltWaiter Rowe ‘(of Church Street) on Friday afternoon, whereby he was sev- ' crely injured by an explosion of geligArte. It appears that the unfortunate ' mail in company with, his brother and 1 nephew, were in the vicinity of the old flaxmill, Tiehr River, when

the gelignite he was handling exploded, completely shattering bdth hands and also injuring his face. Assistance was

'inAnediately sought, the nephew coming to town —a good mile over the stone heaps. Many willing hands set off to render assistance, while Dr McKay of Greymouth, was telephoned for. The rescuers had a most difficult job, owing to the weight and condition of -the sufferer, and the rough ground hindered rapid progress. Dr McKay, who

arrived promptly ordered his immediate removal to the Greymouth Hospital. Dr Lovell-Gregg, Medical Superinten- , dent of the Grey River Hospital, made . a statement oil Saturday to the effect . that both of Rowe’s hands have been , -blown off at the wrists, his jaw is badly T injured, and he is practically blind in '. both eyes. .The sght of one eye will jj probably he lost, but Rowe is aide to distinguish light from darkness with the other eye. It is not yet definite , whether the sight will he thoroughly ro- . stored or not.

The injured man was operated on on

Friday evening and inquiry -at, the hospital yesterday elicited the fact that., despite the serions nature of his injuries, Mr Ttowe passed a, good night and is now progressing satisfactorily.