The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-23
HURLED into AIR
. by ELECTRIC BOLT
Physicians, Who Hear Details Of
Accident to MIR. Hobson, De-
clare Escape Remarkable.
NOW ON ROAD TO- RECOVERY
Severely Burned, but No Indica-
tons Of Internal Complications.
Not Direct Stroke.

According to dispatches from Penn.
berton, Va, last night, the condition
of Mr.. Saunders Hobson. Of Richmond
who was struck by lightning Sunday
afternoon, was decidedly encouraging
He rested well during the day, his
physicians announcing that he was get
ting along as we'll as could be ex-
pcctei.
Had Remarkable Escape.
Further details of the accident, which
occurred on Mr.. Hobson's estate, How
ards Neck" in Goochland county,
show that his escape was one OF the
most remarkable on record He was
injured about p. NJ. while hurryins
in from a walk, a pet dog being his
only companion. He was still a quar-
ter of a mile out when the storm
broke. Meeting his overseer, Mr. Bag
by, and the latter's son. all ran for
shelter. Just as they passed a small
evergreen bush. scarcely more than
ten feet in height. about the roots
and lower limbs of which was en-
twined wild grape, Mr.. Hobson was
struck as he put his foot on trailer,
and hurled fully five or six feet III the
air. He was stunned by the fall. His
dog. following close at his heels. re-
ceived IL greater shock. being thrown
fully twenty or thirty feet over low
fence and instantly killed The body
was terribly incincrated
Mr. Bagby and his son were twenty
or thirty feet behind. and while blind
ed for a moment and somewhat shock
ed, they were not injured.
Showed Signs OF Life.
Thinking that Mr.. Hobson had been
Killed they We're preparing to carry
him to the. house, when slight signs
of life were noticed. Recovering
somewhat from the stunning effect OF
the shock. Mr.. Hobson seemed to he
almost suffocating, gaspinS painfully
FOR breath. while his two attendants
tore open his clothes and strove N
every way TO relieve him. They sum-
noned assistance and removed him TO
the house on shutter, messages be-
ing Immediately sent to Richmond for'
physicians and nurses,
Dr.. William r. Oppenheimer and Ut.
Robert C. Bryan responded, and were
with the patient all night resignins
the charge yesterday, after the lnimt-
date danger seemed to have passed.
to Dr. Snead. of Cartersville.
After q careful examination the phS-
sicians came to the conclusion that Mr.
Hobson did not receive direct stroke,
but that the bolt either hit the dog
or the ground between and entered
Mr.. Hobson through the grapevine
which was torn to shreds.
Both of his shoes were torn off by
the bolt, his belt buckle broken and
his watch and keys forced from his
pocket. everything metal about him
seeming to attract It's part Of the light
ming. When examined it was found
that he was burned or the left side
from the foot to the ;high. slightly
marked across the abdomen, and burned
on the upper right chest as If the cur
rent had entered his left foot and left
by the right hand. The head and eyes
are entirely uninjurcd. That he was
not instantly killed is regarded as
remarkable.
No Internal Compiled lions.
The physicians said yesterday that
there were no indications so far OF
serious internal complications. He is
suffering severely from the shock.
The burns, while quite painful, are not
regarded as serious in their nature,
and a complete recovery is now eX-
pected.
Mr.. Hobson is entirely conscious and
clearheaded, and is much more comfor-
table, as the treatment is beginning to
take effect. Trained nurses were sent
up yesterday, and as soon as his condi-
ton will permit he Will be moved to
Richmond hospital