Tragedy in a Train.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 412, 4 February 1890, Page 2

Tragedy in a Train.

FATAL COLLAPSE OF A LAMP. Adelaide, January 21. The tragic death of the Hoo. J, G. Ramsay, M.L.C., by being burned through a lamp falling on him in a railway train, has caused a cr-at sensation. The acoident occurred on Friday night, and Mr R.maay died early next morning, At the inquest the evidence showed that the lamp of the railway carriage in which the deceased was riding exploded just before reaching Stockport, Mr Ramsay at the time had dozed off, and woke up on hearing an explosion, to find himself and the cushion iu flames. Evidently the kerosens oil bud fallen upon him alight. A young man made his way from an adjourning carriage just as the train was slowing down, and called to Mr Ramsay to jump out, which ho did on the opposite side to the station. The young man, whose name is Letohea, pulled off his coat and tried to put the flames out, but this was not accomplished until a rug was brought. Mr Ramsay mi then taken into another compartment, where a temporary bqd was made, and he was brought on to Adelaide aud conveyed to the private hospital. Before he died he gave some brief particulars of the accident. He was dreadfully burnt from the middle of the body downwards. Hie beard and hair were likewise burnt off, his mouth being very much injured. He bore his suffering very bravely, and on his brother meeting him at the station remarked “ This is a bad business, Click.” Mr Ramsay had long been honorably associated with South Australian politics, having first gone into the House of Assembly in 1870. From 1881 to 1384 he held office in the Bray Government, and has been iu the Legislative Council since 1880.