One of the worst accidents in the history of Lumberton occurred last Saturday afternoon when Mr. Walter Inman, mechanic, was instantly killed by an explosion caused by the ignition of gas which formed in a gasoline tank the unfortunate man was preparing to raze by the use of an acetylene torch.
The accident happened in front of Inman Brothers’ repair shop on Second street, near Chestnut. Clifton, 15-year-old son of the deceased, was standing a few feet from his father when the explosion occurred but was uninjured. Hugh Barnes, 9 years old, who lives with his parents about 4 miles from here, was slightly injured. He stated after the accident that he was standing very close to Mr. Inman watching him, and that he remembers very little about what happened. He said that Mr. Inman had just started working on the tank and that the explosion was of such force that he was knocked several feet from where he was standing. One side of the young man’s face was slightly burned and he appeared very nervous for hours after the accident.
Death Almost Instantaneous
Fire Chief Ed Glover was among the first to reach Mr. Inman after the explosion and states that when he reached him there was very little life in the body. Mr. Bill Daughterty came up with his automobile and helped in getting the dying man to the Baker sanatorium, where an examination revealed that death had been almost instantaneous. Artificial respiration had no effect whatever, neither would the strongest of stimulant. The remains were taken to a local undertaking parlor.
Usual Precautions Not Taken
The fatal tank had been taken from a truck belonging to the Gulf Refining Co. on account of a leak, and several local mechanics had tried to repair it. Another test was made and the tank found leaking, after which it was carried to Mr. Inman, who it is believed, did not thoroughly wash out the gasoline left in it. It is the consensus of opinion that Mr. Inman left a small amount of gasoline in the tank and added about 25 gallons of water. According to the Barnes boy, the ignition took place as soon as Mr. Inman applied the acetylene torch. When work of this nature is necessary on tanks it is customary for the tank to be filled with water and the water allowed to overflow from the tank several minutes, and then sufficient time given for the fumes that might remain to evaporate before applying anything that would likely cause a combustion.
Half of Tank Blown 60 Feet
Of such force was the explosion that half of the tank was blown 60 feet across First street, and one of the ends was sent hurling through the air to the top of a small building occupied by Mr. W.R. Ivey, about 30 feet away. It is believed that this part of the tank struck Mr. Inman. His clothing was badly torn. His watch was found about 50 feet from the scene of the accident. The crystal was badly shattered but the mechanism was unhurt. There was no necessity for a thorough examination of Mr. Inman’s body and the exact condition caused by the explosion will never be known, but those who had charge of his body stated that many bones were broken and in several places there were signs of unusually large and deep bruises There were no lacerations.
Hundreds of people heard the noise of the explosion. Some from the extreme edges of town rushed to the scene to know what had happened. From the time of the accident until late yesterday afternoon people were gathered at the scene. There was nothing to be seen, except where the accident took place and the ruined tank, which was used on a large delivery motor truck.
Funeral Services
Funeral services over the remains of the unfortunate man were conducted yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the home on East First street, by Dr. Chas. H. Durham, pastor of the first Baptist church, of which deceased was a member. A large crowd attended the services and accompanied the remains to Meadowbrook cemetery, where interment was made.
Surviving are his widow and six children; his father, Mr. Robert Inman of route 3 from Lumberton; 2 sisters, Mrs. Marvin Bullard of Lumberton and Miss Jane Inman of route 3 from Lumberton; 3 brothers, Messrs. Burns, Alexander and Pemberton, all of Lumberton.
Deceased was 46 years old and his untimely death has caused grief to many hearts. He was well known here and had a host of friends who mourn his death.
Pallbearers were Messrs. Walter Prevat, Lawrence Smith, John T. Biggs, M.M. Rozier, Jim McNeill and D.D. French.
From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Dec. 14, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1925-12-14/ed-1/seq-1/
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