| Abstract/Description |
A fourth inquest was held yesterday, at the Three Tuns Tavern, corner of Elizabeth and King streets, on view of the body of Elise Clauss, then lying dead in the Sydney Infirmary. Charles White, residing at Mr. Osborne's, in Castlereagh-street, deposed as follows: Mr. Osborne is the lessee of the Olympic Theatre. The deceased was pianist in the theatre; she was a foreigner (I believe from Belgium); she was 24 years of age; I am the agent for Mr. Osborne. On Monday night week last, previously to the commencement of the performances, I as usual rang the bell for the musicians to go in; immediately after ringing I saw the deceased at the ladies' dressing room ready to go in; I spoke to her and then went out; I was in the act of going up the passage leading to Castlereagh-8treet, when I heard a cry of fire; this was about ten minutes after my seeing the deceased; I immediately rushed to the pit door, thinking the Circus was on fire, but finding that all right, I came out again, when I observed the dressing room much lighter than usual; I hastened to the spot instantly, and met the deceased at the stage entrance enveloped in flames; I instantly clasped her in my arms and threw her down on the floor, and rolled her over again, by which means I succeeded in extinguishing the flames in about half a minute, but not before the deceased was severely burned. She was attired in a light muslin dress with slight under-clothes; she was burned to the stays. Medical aid was promptly sent for, and in a few minutes surgeon Houston arrived and applied the usual remedies. The next morning it was thought advisable to remove her to the Infirmary, where she has been ever since. Mr. Nathan, surgeon, deposed to the injuries sustained, when a verdict of accidental burning was returned. |
Resource
Provide feedback on Inquests