Man with 22% burns did not call for help after stove accident

A RECLUSE who was badly burnt in a gas stove accident suffered in agony for at least 18 hours because he didn’t want to bother his home help, an inquest heard yesterday.

Cork Coroner’s Court was told Edward (Ned) O’Connor, 65, of Ballymackessy in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, suffered 22.5% burns to his body while trying to light a gas stove at his cottage at about 2pm on January 18.

He received severe burns to his chest, arms, back and legs but he didn’t call anyone for help. He removed his burnt clothes, put on new ones and spent the night alone, vomiting.