TE KUITI FATALITY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 562, 15 January 1929, Page 11

TE KUITI FATALITY

TRAPPED IN BLAZING FACTORY CLOTHES BURNED ON VICTIM (From Our Own Correspondent) TE KUITI, Monday. Further details of the fire in Mr. A. Blackman’s factory, which resulted in the death of Mr. A. A. Avery, show that shortly before the firebell rang, Mr. I. C. Douglas, a railwayman, rushed to the burning building, and on mounting the outside stairs which led to the upper storey, found Mr. Avery apparently jammed between the edge of the door and a partition. Mr. Douglas immediately forced back the door, freeing Mr. Avery. All his clothes were burned off his body and he was in a shocking state, and he half jumped and stumbled down the steps Into the arms of a spectator. It was seen that Mr. Avery was in a serious condition, and Blankets were hurriedly procured from a nearby house, while a railway stretcher was being obtained. After medical attention had been given the injured man he was conveyed to the hospital, where he died two and a-half hours after admission. He was conscious while being conveyed to the hospital, and was able to make a statement regarding the fire. The late Mr. Avery, who leaves a widow and seven children, had been in business in Te Kuiti between 10 and 12 years, and was a highly respected resident. The top part of the building - was completely gutted, but the fire brigade succeeded in saving the ground floor. The insurance on the building was for £275 in the State Fire Office.