Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 2nd September 1932

Night Blaze

Wath Old Folk’s Unpleasant Experience

Gas Escape

Mr. Dyson Among The Wreckage.

A fire estimated to have caused between £70 and £80 damage broke out at 21, Common Lane, Wath, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whiteley, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Wath Fire Brigade were on the spot within a few minutes, and got control of the outbreak in under an hour, and assured the relay of adjoining houses.

The outbreak was caused by an escape of gas in the cellar of the house, which Mr. Whiteley went to investigate. There were some smouldering attics of a recent fire in the grate. On opening the door leading to the cellar, Mr. Whiteley was thrown to the floor by an explosion which shattered the windows, blew out the back door, and cracked the adjoining wall of a neighbour’s house. The house at once got ablaze. More serious results were averted by the prompt and courageous action of Mr. 0. Dyson, carting contractor. 19, Common Lane, oho surrounded himself with water and turned off the gas at the meter.

Mr. Dyson braved the danger of the blazing floor above caving in and crushing him, but escaped with little injury except scorching. Most of the furniture was rescued by neighbours before damage was done to it, but smaller household accessories were damaged.

A big crowd gathered. despite the hour, and took long time to disperse. It included a large number of children.

Mrs. Whiteley, who is 71, was rescued with the aid of a ladder by two of Mr. Dyson’s employees. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Horton, who live close by. She and her husband were taken to the “Red House.” West Melton. the home of their son, Mr. William Whiteley. ‘

Ms. Whiteley was badly burned about the legs, arms and face, and is being medically attended. He suffered severely from shock, end has been confined to bed for a day or two, but is now progressing favourably.

The damage is covered by insurance. The whole of the front room was badly damaged, and there were large holes in the door. The front room windows were shattered and the staircase and back kitchen were damaged. One of the walls was cracked from top to bottom.

Mr. and Mrs. Whiteley recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Whiteley is 79.