City Faces Lawsuit After Fatal Electrocution
Lawyers prepare to sue the city over the deaths of two men who were killed while turning on electric lights.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Immediate action for damages will be taken against the city by persons directly interested in the electrocution Monday morning of John Ohrstrom and Arthur Charlson. Attorneys retained by the plaintiffs appeared before Coroner Q. D. Shaver to query a possible inquest. The coroner stated that in view of the fact that the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths would likely be recited in superior court, he saw no reason for a county-funded investigation at this time. Many citizens expressed the opinion that an investigation should be held immediately to fix blame for the casualties. Allegations suggest a 2,200-volt current was allowed to pass through a Pacific Avenue main circuit wire, causing the deaths of the men when they attempted to turn on incandescent globes—despite knowledge by city electricians that the electricity was grounded at some unknown point. Responsible electrical engineers state that in other cities, devices are used to detect such leakage, allowing the current to be shut off before accidents occur.
“It is stated by responsible electrical engineers that in all other cities, where there exists the menacing of a grounded wire, devices are in use that will detect the trouble.”
This incident highlights the early, dangerous growing pains of municipal infrastructure. Today, Tacoma Power operates under strict safety regulations, but the 1910-era struggle to hold a growing utility accountable for public safety mirrors modern debates about corporate negligence and government oversight.
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