TRAP FATALITY NEAR DESBOROUGH
An inquest on the body of Wm. Murkett, of Station-street, Desborough,
who died from injuries sustained through being thrown from a trap at
that place on Tuesday afternoon, was held at the Temperance Institute on
Wednesday evening before Mr. J. T. Parker.
—Henry Gibbon, surgeon, Desborough, stated that he was called to see
deceased about five o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, when he was quite
unconscious, blood flowing from the ears. Deceased was suffering
from a fractured skull and nothing could be done. Deceased did not
regain consciousness, and died about 8.45 p.m. the same evening.
—Alfred
Murkett, shoe hand, of Gas-street Desborough, identified the body as
that of his father, who was an ironstone labourer, and 54 years of age.
On Tuesday morning a party of men, including deceased and witness, went
to Rothwell for a walk. Four of them, John Freer, Walter Smith, witness,
and deceased, hired a trap from John Moore to bring them home. Moore's
son drove them, and they picked up another man on the road, making a
total of six. At the bottom of the hill coming from Rothwell either the
backboard or the chain holding it broke, and deceased and witness, who
were riding behind, were thrown to the ground
—John Moore, jun., blacksmith, Rothwell, said he undertook to drive
the men from Rothwell to Desborough for 4d. per head. They picked up
another man on the way. At the time of the accident they were going
about six miles an hour. Witness examined the trap afterwards, and found
that one of the staples holding the chain had broken, and the bolt on
the other side had given way. This would let the backboard down. The
trap was an old one, but he used it in his business for carting iron.
The trap was frequently let out. Witness could not find any flaw in
either the hook or bolt where they broke off.
—John Freer,
shoe hand, living in Factory-street, Desborough, one of the party in the
trap, also gave evidence.
—The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."
Northampton Mercury,
Friday 11 August 1899