Garage Mechanic Seriously Burned
1955
PETROL-SOAKED OVERALLS CAUGHT FIRE IN AMAZING MISHAP
MOVED TO HOSPITAL NEAR SHEFFIELD
Fred Marshall, a 15-years-old apprentice garage mechanic, suffered extensive burns to both arms and right leg when his petrol-soaked overalls caught fire whilst he was working at the Old Wainfleet Road branch garage of Messrs. Henry Thrall Ltd., motor engineers, Wainfleet Road, Skegness.
Marshall, who lives at 17 Cross Street, Skegness, was pumping petrol from the tank of a heavy lorry when the liquid shot out on to his overalls. Bewildered, he inadvertently backed towards a hot stove and instantly his overalls ignited.
Two other workers, Mr. Sam Kinning and Mr. Henry Armstrong, ran to his aid, the former managing to smother most of the flames with a sack. Between them they put out the fire and pulled the overalls off, but Marshall was badly burnt and suffering from shock. He was immediately taken to the Skegness and District hospital.
A statement issued by the Hospital Board said that Marshall had suffered extensive burns to both arms and right leg, but was fairly comfortable and had that morning been tranferred to Wharncliffe Hospital in Sheffield.
His parents and friends, who were allowed to visit him on Monday evening found him cheerful before his departure.
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