Carl H. Lunderstadt, 38, assistant to superintendent of blast furnaces, died saving John Kovac, 41, tuyere foreman, from suffocation, Duquesne, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1946. Kovac was overcome by blast furnace gas and lay unconscious on the bottom of a pit 6.5 feet below an 18-inch-square opening at the top of the pit. Lunderstadt, disregarding a warning that there was gas in the pit, descended on convenient parts to the bottom. Leaning forward, he lifted Kovac to his feet and raised one of Kovac’s arms. Men at the top got hold of Kovac and pulled him up, Lunderstadt pushing Kovac. Kovac’s clothing caught on a projecting part, and Lunderstadt collapsed. Kovac was pulled out and was revived. Joseph N. Spang then descended and took hold of Lunderstadt’s clothing but was affected by gas and lost his hold. Staggering, he raised his arms and was pulled out unconscious. Buffard Vason held his breath and descended. He tried to lift Lunderstadt, became dizzy, and lost his hold. Staggering, he reached upward and was pulled out unconscious. Eugene 0. Carr descended but immediately was affected and was pulled out. He was unconscious. Joseph G. Perhach, tied to a line and wearing a gas mask, tried to enter the pit; but the canister of the mask interfered. Removing the mask, he descended, lifted Lunderstadt, and raised one of Lunderstadt’s arms. Lunderstadt was pulled out. Perhach collapsed and was pulled out by means of the line. Spang, Vason, Carr, and Perhach were revived in about 10 minutes. Lunderstadt could not be revived. 40629-3436
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