Newman Lucky to Survive Accident at Box and Lumber Company, May 9, 1925

Saw Filer Has Narrow Escape at Plant Here. . . Clothing of F.V. Newman, Employee of Virginia Lumber Co., Caught in Set Screw. . . Burned on a Steam Pipe. . . Fortunately, His Injuries Consisted only of Bruises and Severe Burns

F.V. Newman, a saw filer at the Virginia Box and Lumber Company, had a miraculous escape from death yesterday afternoon when his clothing caught on the set screw of a rapidly revolving shaft. He was swung around and around, his head or p arts of his body grazing a hot steam pipe at every revolution.

Fortunately, no bones were broken, and it was stated last night by his attending physicians that he would recover. His injuries consist largely of terrible burns on the face and chest, caused when his body touched the steam pipe, and bruises and minor cuts.

When the power was cut off at the plant by a workman who saw the plight of the unfortunate man, Mr. Newman had hardly a shred of clothing on his back with the exception of his socks. Employees rushed to his aid, expecting to find him mortally injured, if not already dead. They were astonished and relieved to find him conscious, none the worse for his experience except for the bad burns and bruises. He is now resting very comfortably at his home on 1103 South Slocumb street, and it is expected that he will be able to report back for duty within the next day or two.

How It Happened

Mr. Newman was lacing a belt when the accident happened. This belt worked on a shafting directly facing him. Another shafting, driving the machine to its rear, was right at his elbow, but he was so intent upon lacing the belt he was oblivious of his danger. A sudden twist or motion carried his body right up against the rear shafting, and before he realized his peril, Mr. Newman’s clothing caught on the set screw. He was thrown over and over with each revolution of the shaft.

The steam pipe was off the floor a few feet. A carrier of steam, it was blistering hot and as Mr. Newman was dragged over it, it left a livid blister on his face, chest or arms, whichever happened to touch.

It is not known how long Mr. Newman was subjected to the tortuous experience. No one saw the accident at the time. The man who happened to see his body bring whirled around on the shaft and stopped the motion, was unable to know just how long he had been caught on the screw, but it is certain that it was only a few moments. Another minute, it is believed, and he would never have lived to tell the tale.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Saturday morning, May 9, 1925

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