John R. Woodford attempted to save Thomas E. Fowler from suffocation, Ithaca, New York, February 25, 1918. Fowler, 33, laborer, descended through a manhole into a vault 17 feet below the surface to make some repairs. The vault contained illuminating gas, and Fowler was overcome about seven feet from the ladder leading to the surface. Woodford, 45, sewer inspector, not fully aware of conditions, descended into the vault, reaching Fowler just before he was overcome, and he attempted to pull Fowler toward the manhole but was affected and left the vault. Other men arrived, and Woodford, realizing true conditions, again entered with a wet handkerchief over his nose and mouth and a rope tied to himself. He put another rope on Fowler, but feeling the gas affecting him, he went to the manhole and started to ascend, but he then became dazed and was drawn out by men at the top. Attempts to draw Fowler out failed because his legs became entangled in pipes at the bottom of the vault. Another man entered the vault twice in attempts to rescue Fowler, but he was overcome in his second attempt. Fowler was taken out two hours later but was dead. Woodford was disabled 17 days and felt the effects for a long time after the act. 20969-1773
20969 – 1773
20969-1773