South Yorkshire Times August 22, 1959
“Accidental Death”
Cigarette End Set His Clothes Alight
A 75-years-old retired Denaby collier, who was admitted to Mexborough Montagu hospital with severe burns on June 22nd and died on August 7th, accidentally set his clothes alight with a cigarette, it was stated at a Mexborough inquest on Friday.
The Doncaster District Coroner (Mr. W. H. Carlile) recorded a verdict of “Accidental Death” on Alexander Hill, a bachelor, of 51 Annerley Street, Denaby.
A neighbours, Leonard Sellars, of 4, Annerley Street, said he had lived near Hill for 14 years. Hill was in a weak condition and his condition had deteriorated in the past four months. He had refused to have a doctor.
Witness said that on the night of June 22nd he was in a local club when he was told that Hill “had set fire to himself.” He rang for the doctor and went to see Hill. Apparently his trousers had been set alight. Witness said that Hill had told him, “It was done by a cigarette end.”
Brian Sellars, a haulage hand, also of 5, Annerley Street, said he was at home when he heard noises coming from Hill’s house. He went to the house and entered the living room, which was full of smoke.
He heard Hill saying, “Put it out.” Hill was sitting in a chair in front of the living room window. His right trouser leg was smouldering.
Witness said he tried to stop the smouldering with his hands but had to throw water on it.
Dr. Keith Finney, pathologist said death was due to bronchial pneumonia due to severe burns of the right thigh.