Linesman Crashes From Telegraph Pole

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 618, 21 March 1929, Page 1

Linesman Crashes From Telegraph Pole

OVERCOME BY PAIN

FATALITY AT EDENDALE Overcome by sudden pain, Robert Bruce Thompson, a telegraph linesman, fell from a ladder 20 feet high this morning and was killed instantly. The fatality occurred at the inter, section of Mars and Edendale Roads, at 5.30 o’clock this morning.

Mr. Thompson fell backwards from the ladder and struck the pavement 20 feet below with some force. His skull was crushed by the force of the fall and death was instantaneous.

It was at first thought that lie had been electrocuted, but this was disproved by investigations made later by Mr. E. C. Gage, chief telegraph engineer, and by an official of the Auckland Power Board,

Mr. Thompson was working with a companion, Mr. Weaver. They were engaged in running out and jointing the overhead telephone wires. Mr. Weaver was seated on the lower arm of a telephone pole, jointing some wires. Mr. Thompson had carried a wire up the ladder and was only about five rungs from the top when he appeared to be overcome by a sudden fit of acute pain, which made him lose his hold and fall backwards. As Mr. Th» upson came up the ladder Mr. Weaver heard him moan. He looked down to see his companion with his head bent forward and clutching the ladder with both hands. Before Mr. Weaver could ask what was wrong Mr. Thompson had released his hold and crashed to the pavement. The dead man had complained of pains in the back some days previously and on Monday he was away from work. He thought that he was getting an attack of influenza. This morning lie had also told his companion that he had pains in the byii. Mr. Thompson had been engaged by the Post and Telegraph Department for some time. He was about 46 years of age and lived at Freeman’s Bay. An inquest will be held.