Serious Accident.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1687, 17 April 1886, Page 2

Serious Accident.

From the Foxton paper we learn that a serious)accident befell Mr John Purcell, of Foxton, on Thursday. It appears that Mr Purcell was carting firewood and was riding on the shaft of the dray, the load being a -moderate one. Th» horse shied off the road, and the ground being very uneven at that point, the cart wag capsized. Two boys, who were riding behind the dray, seeing that Mr Pur* cell could not extricate himself, at once gave an alarm. It was found that the upper part of his- body and one hand were clear,- the weight lying all across the lower part of his back, and it appeared almost a miracle that the unfortunate man was not killed outright. However, by cutting the ropes,, .and getting the wood off the dray, Mr Purcell was extricated as rapidly as possible, when it was at once apparent that he was badly injured, and whilst the sufferer was being conveyed to his residence medical aid was summoned. At present Mr Purcell's condition is such as to give his friends grave cause for anxiety. A full examination shows that the principal injury consist of a fracture of the spinal process, with great concussion of the spinal cord. The fracture is situated on the edge of the bone between two ribs and is a very small one. The result of the shock has been extensive paralysis from the hips downward. It is a question whether the full power of the Jp\v«r limbs will, bo restored. The patient suffers but little pain, and is perfectly well about the upper part of the body, the breathing being regular,. and tempera" ture normal.