Fire in School Lane
This morning about 4am a fire was discovered on the premises occupied by Messers MC MAHON, Son and Co, packing case makers, School Lane. The premises was situated in the rear of the lane, in the midst of a crowded locality, so that the greatest consternation prevailed, and the inhabitants speedily quitted their houses and sought the street in a semi-nude state. The Hatton Garden, West of England, Seel St, and other engines were speedily at work and succeeded in preventing any extension of the flames, but, owing to the flammable nature of the stock at Messers MC MAHON’S premises it was entirely destroyed as was the engine, boiler, travelling-saw and other machinery The building was a very old one and as the fire progressed the walls back and front toppled over. The falling wall knocked a ladder down on which was PC. ATKINSON [259] and caused very serious, if not fatal injuries. The injured man was removed to the Royal Infirmary, where it was found he had sustained a fractured skull and injury to the shoulder blade. A portion of the wall also fell over the adjoining court, called Neil’s Buildings, where a few of the firemen where engaged, but beyond some slight injury to PC. QUIGLEY [372], and the fact that some of the bricks went through the roofs and windows of the houses no material damage was done. The fire was extinguished by about 6 and it was then ascertained the loss to Mr MCMAHON would be about £500, for which they are not insured. The premises are the property of a man in London called SMITH and are insured.
Liverpool Mercury, March 13th 1863
Coroner’s inquest before Mr CURRY, returned a verdict of “accidental death.”
Funeral of Richard ATKINSON
Yesterday afternoon the remains of Richard ATKINSON [259] a member of the borough, fire police force, was interred at St James Cemetery. The deceased died on Monday night at the Royal Infirmary, by injuries sustained when a wall fell on him at a fire in School Lane on 18th February last. He had been in the force since 1855 and was an active and zealous officer, held in esteem by his comrades. At the funeral, fire engine drawn by four horses bore the body, on the coffin was placed the deceased belt, key and chain. About 70 men of the fire brigade under the direction of Supt HEWITT, assembled at the Royal Infirmary and escorted the body to the place of interment. The Head Constable, Div Supt QUICK, Insp MOORE and other officers joined the cortege, which passed through some of the principal streets to the cemetery. The procession had a solemn and impressive aspect as it moved slowly along the route attracting much attention. The deceased leaves a widow and three children.
Copyright 2002 / To date