The Indianapolis journal., 1896-05-24
DIED FROM HIS BURNS
ALFRED H. SOMERvILLE WAS TRY
ING TO AVOID AN EXPLOSION.
Sad Accident at Pfntsch Gas Plant
John Foster Burned While Attempt-
ing TO Aid His Companion.

Alfred H. Somerville, SON Of James Som
erville superintendent OF the Pintsch gas
department at the Indianapolis gas works,
was fatally burned in a fire caused by
burning naphtha at the gas mandatory
yesterday morning. The young man discov-
cred a leak in the naphtha tank, and, know
ing the explosive nature of the fluid, feared
the leak would cause an explosion. He was
alone. His assistant, John Foster, was in
small closet near the gas room. The naph-
tha down the tank to the floor and
spread toward the furnace While Somer-
vile was working with the leak IN the tank,
the fluid spurted out in fine stream and
thoroughly saturated his clothing Before
he realized his personal danger the naphtha
on the floor had spread out and reached the
furnace, where a gas was quickly generated
and became ignited. In an instant the blaze
flashed across the room and set fire to
Somervilles clothing.
Foster heard his cries for help and ran
toward the room. Somerville ran from the
room, which was completely enveloped in
flames. Foster tore at Somerville's burning
Clothing. but was unable to get them off
until Somerville was almost burned TO death.
The young man exhibited remarkable cour-
age and refused to be carried to the city
ambulance, when 1t arrived to convey him
to St Vincent's Hospital. His brother.
James Somerville. works at a store near the
gas works, and when he heard the fire
alarm and saw the smoke, surmised at once
that there had been an explosion of napntha,
an accident always feared. James Somer-
vile arrived at the scene just after the
clothing had been torn from his brothers
body. He says that Alfred refused assist
from the blacksmith shop, where he had
been taken, to the ambulance. A blanket
had been thrown. across his shoulders.
While he was walking to the ambulance the
blanket fell Off, exposing his badly charred
body. Two or three bystanders were almost
overcome by the sight and nearly tainted.
DR.. Tomlin, who has been the family ply
sician, was summoned Immediately, and, to-
gether with DR.. Marsee. did everything pos
sfble to save the young mans life. Their
efforts availed nothing, and he died yester-
day afternoon at 2:45 o'clock. The young
man, with other members of his family,
were members of the Fourth Presbyterian
Church. Rev. George l.. Macintosh was at
his bedside and says that the young man
died like a soldier. He insisted upon know
ing whether there was any hopes for his
recovery. DR.. Marsee informed him as gent
ly as possible that the worst might be ex-
pected. He expressed no fear of death and
remarked that he was glad he had not
acted like a coward.
James SomerviEe. the young mans father.
the ace General Y Assembly S Of the presbyterian
Church, being held at Saratoga, n. Y. A
telegram was sent to him and he Will arrive
home to-day. Until his arrival no arrange
ments will be made for the funeral.
Alfred H. Somervi.le was twenty-one years
old. He was very worthy young man, and
had a large circle of friends. He attended
Butler University for two years and was a
member of one of the fraternties of the
university. When he graduate ted from the
High School he was awarded gold medal
for his high standing. While in Butler Uni
versity. young Somervile acquired taste
for athletics and was member OF the foot
bali team. He was a member OF the In
danapolis Light Artillery and was the cap
tain of the artillery baseball club.
The family of the deceased feel very CRATE
full to John Foster. who was severely burned
in attempting TO save Somerville's life. He
was taken to ST. Vincent's Hospital and will
doubtless recover.