Source, Rutland Vt.Daily Herald--Fri.July 26, 1929. MAN BURNED BY STEAM WHEN LIVE COALS FALL INTO WATER. Clinton Hall, Fireman, Victim of Unusual Accident At Local Gas Plant ; Removes Embers From Fire and Becomes Trapped in Vapor- Filled Pit. Severely burned about the face, arms,neck legs and thighs, Clinton Hall, 27, of East street was in serious condition at Rutland hospital last night as the Vermont Hydro-Electric corporation's Cleveland avenue plant yesterday morning. The accident occurred while Hall was cleaning out one of the fires boxes under the retort. It is believed that through mistake he pulled the entire mass of coals into the pit at one time instead of a small amount at a time. The red hot coals struck some water in the bottom of the pit and in a second the place was filled with live steam. Blinded by the pain, it is believed that Hall plunged into the mass of coals. He was hauled to safety by fellow employes and was then taken to the office of Dr. James M.Hamilton, where he received first aid treatment. He was moved by ambulance to Rutland hospital. Dr. Hamilton stated last night that Hall, had sustained first and second degree burns on arms, legs, thighs, neck and face. Though his condition is serious, Dr. Hamilton believes that he has fair chance to recover. Hall has been working for the gas company only a short time. Recently one of the fingers of his right hand was cut off, while working on a truck. Officials of the company are investigating the accident.