Bangor, Maine
American Ice Company Construction Accident
December 10, 1890
A FATAL FALL,
One man killed and Several Injured Wednesday
Morning
A fatal accident occurred yesterday morning at
the ice house of the American Ice Company, and
was the principal subject of inquiry yesterday
on the street. A large addition is being built
at the ice house, and a force of twenty-six men
has been employed there. They were engaged
yesterday morning in placing the trusses in
position at the roof, and five of them were at
work upon a staging, which was about forty-five
feet from the ground. They were in the act of
raising some large timbers to their places when
the staging gave way on one end and the men and
timbers fell to the ground below with a loud
crash which was heard for some distance up and
down river. The men had not the slightest
warning of the giving way of the staging and
were unable to save themselves by clinging to
the building.
As soon as they saw what had happened the
other workmen rushed to the assistance of those
who had fallen and extricated them from the
timbers and boards which had fallen upon and
about them. It was found that
JOSEPH HAMMOND
of South Brewer had been instantly killed his
skull having been crushed on by a piece of
timber falling upon it His remains and the
wounded men were taken to the boarding house
nearby. The deceased leaves a widow and seven
children to mourn his loss he is spoken of as an
industrious and intelligent man and was well
liked by all who knew him.
Thomas Vessar
who lives on Front street in this city, received
some severe internal injuries by a heavy piece
of timber falling upon his abdomen It is thought
he cannot recover from his injuries although
there is a small chance for him Last night he
recognized his wife and took some nourishment,
but he is in a very critical condition. He has a
wife and four children. He formerly resided at
Great Works, but has lived here for some time.
Fred M. Felker
of North Carmel had his arm broken near
the elbow and received some severe bruises and a
shaking up F A Kelly
of Carmel had his knee cap broken and
was badly bruised by his fall
Patrick McNally
who resides on York street, was severely cut
about the face and was painfully bruised While
the injuries of these men are painful enough it
is a wonder that they came out alive. Several
physicians attended the men and made them as
comfortable as possible. No blame is attached to
anybody connected with the company for the
accident. It was thought that the staging was
secure and it is supposed that a flaw in the
board or timber caused the staging to give way.
Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, Bangor ME
11 Dec 1890
Transcribed by
Jenni Lanham. Thank you,
Jenni!
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