New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
HEWITSON
Forename
Archibald
Day
08
Month
10
Year
1914
Age
43
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Mowbray
Mineral Worked
Iron Ore
Owner
Workington Iron & Steel Co. Ltd
Location
Frizington
County
Cumberland
Details of Event
Deceased was preparing charges for blasting, and whilst shaking the sawdust from a detonator by tapping it on the edge of a wooden box, the detonator exploded. There may have been a smear of fulminate on the edge of the detonator, or he may have been inadvertently tapping the bottom instead of the open end. His thumb and forefinger were shattered and were amputated on the same day. The injured man was progressing satisfactorily, but 5 days after the accident suddenly collapsed. According to the medical evidence death was due to syncope, and the accident was not a contributory cause. The jury, however, returned a verdict that death was due to heart failure, accelerated by the accident.