FATAL ACCIDENT TO AN AERONAUT.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 11, 2 December 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

FATAL ACCIDENT TO AN AERONAUT.

(From (he Times.) A grand fete was held on Monday last, in the park of Mr North, at l>asfo d, near Nottingham. Among the other amusements it was announced that Mr Coxwcll would ascend in his balloon at six o'clock in the evening. However, for reasons which will soon appear, his place was supplied by Mr Chambers, who had previously made many ascents. The balloon was almost new, but not of very large dimensions. After it had been fully inflated, Mr Coxwcll tried it, and found there would be some difficulty in his ascending by it. Just at this time Mr Chambers stepped forward and offered to go up in the balloon. Mr Coxweli was in a perplexity, and feared the balloon could not carry his weight. Chambers said ho was lighter than Mr Coxweli, and wished to make the ascent. After some conversation it was agreed that Chambers should go up, but Mr Uoxwell told him not to attempt an ascent unless he felt quite confident he could manage the balloon. Chambers replied that he had no fear about managing it, aud accordingly lie was allowed to make the ascent. The balloon rosesteadily, and was carried somewhat rapidly in a north-easterly direction, towards Nottingham. It proceeded as far as Arnold Vale, when it was seen suddenly to collapse while still at a considerable altitude, and then to fall quickly in an unshapely mass. Some young men who were near the spot Avhere the balloon fell, hastened to render assistance. The balloon heaved and fell as it descended, completely coveringtliecar, and ultimately both dropped in a field near Scout lane, three miles from Nottingham. The car struck the ground and rebounded several feet, and then fell again, when it was caught hold of by the young mzn and stopped. At the bottom of the car lay stretched the body of the unfortunate amateur aeronaut. He was lifted out and found to be just breathing, but quite insensible, having his handkerchief in his mouth. He was conveyed to the nearest dwelling, and all means adopted to restore animation, but without effect. J")rs Robertson and Maltby afterwards saw him, and it was discovered that his left thigh was fractured, and some of the ribs on his left side were broken ; but they considered it very probable that the unfortunate man had died through suffocation, as the handkerchief which was found in his mouth had been evidently placed there by himself when he found himself in danger of being stifled by the gas from the collapsing balloon. Chambers was a married man, thirty-six years old, and leaves a family. His father was an aeronaut. As soon as the fate of Chambers was known, the music and amusements of the fete were stopped, and the visitors gradually dispersed.