New-York tribune., 1907-06-26
SUFFOCATED In SEWER.
SEVEN UORKMEN FELLED
BraUery of Foreman Alone AUertS
SeUeral Deaths.

Seven men at work ir sewer being built by
the New York Central Railway through East
46th street. from Park avenue 10 the East
River. We're overcome by sewer gas and dyna-
mite fumes last night. and only the bravery of
the foreman in charge prevented fatal ending.
Hardly able to stand himself. he staggered
city block underground TO the foot of the shart,
at Second avenue. and summoned aid. When
the seven men were reached by the resCuers
they were unconscious but revived when
brought the surface Three Of them were in
such critical condition that they were taken to
the Flower Hospital
The men, who work in eight-hour shifts, are
mostly Italians and are known only by num-
hers In the sewer which is being dug forty-six
feet under ground The work is divided into
sections which are made UP each OF a city
block The entrance for the section between
Second and Third avenue IS at Second avenue
When the mon went 10 work last night in
charge Of Foreman William Fuller Of No. 315
West 41st street. they found the sewer fun Of
dynamite smoke that had come from charges
set off by the gang which they had relieved.
Notwithstanding this they walked through the
sewer. which IS six feet wide toward Third ave
nue. and started to work. The atmosphere was
very heavy. and without warning one Of the
italians dropped in his tracks. Fuller then or
dered the to return toward Second avenue
and they started. carrying the body of the un-
conscious man with them. Their light went out
dropped unconscious. till only Fuller remained
He managed 10 struggle to the shaft and called
for help
The men at the top Of the shaft heard his
cries and lowered a bucket, in which he was
raised 10 the surface Help summoned from
th, other sections and basketfu OF men was
lowered 10 the rescue. These men were mostly
coIored and were in charge Of George Page. a
negro of enormous stature.
They grouped their way along the shaft, pick
ing up the unconscious men. and several times
they were obliged TO return to the foot OF the
shaft 10 iii their lungs with fresh air. Page
forced his way TO Third avenue and recovered
the body of the man who had fallen first. Max
ing sure that there were no more men In the
sewer he returned to the top
News Of the trouble had spread through the
neighborhood and the streets nearby were
crowded with people. \ riot call was sent In to
the East 51st street station and emergency am
bula.lce calls were sent 10 Flower and Bellevue
hospitals
Three men taken to the Flower Hospital were
Henry Kflette. negro. of No 331 West 39th
. street; Picardo Nicallo of No 34S East 40th
street and Frank Arfelo Of No 33S East SSth
street These men all suffering from gas
poisoning
Three men treated on the street and sent home
were Max Rossari of No 209 East 39th street.
and an Italian known only TO the police and
his foreman as No. &c. and the foreman. VIII
lam Fuller. who lives at No. 3l6 West 4lst
street
The Rev Father Braun OF ST Barnabas's
Church fastened to the scene on getting the
news Of the trouble. and administered last rites
10 the three men, two Italians and one negro
who went TO the hospital Coroner Harourger
and Police Inspector Titus were early on the
scene and superintendent the work of the police
stil alarm of fire was sent in which was
resnonded to by Truck No and Battalion
chief Andrews The fremen made an inspection
- tta tunnel to see that there more
men there.