A WIRRAL man was enveloped in a ball of flame after a work place accident, a coroner's court heard.

Neil Parker, aged 36, from Arrowe View, Upton, died in Whiston Hospital on December 8 last year - eight days after the accident at GML Joinery, Gorsey Lane, Wallasey.

The court heard that Mr Parker was trying to light a fire in an oil drum to burn some rubbish. He was pouring cellulose thinners into the drum from a 25 litre container when burning embers in the bottom of the drum caused the thinners container to explode in his hands.

Apprentice joiner Niki Sherlock, who witnessed the incident, said: "He poured a small amount of thinners into the drum when the container exploded, covering him in flames and thinners. I heard a 'whooshing' sound and ran to get help."

Mr Parker ran from the workshop to a field and rolled on the ground to put the fire out.

He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital and then transferred to Whiston Hospital specialist burns unit. He was treated for full thickness burns on his face, head, trunk, abdomen and upper legs but died eight days later.

The court heard how machine shop manager Mr Parker had been previously warned about using thinners to light the fire, which he used to warm the workshop. He did not usually use such a large container to fuel the fire and he was unaware that the drum had been lit earlier in the day and that there were still embers smouldering in the drum.

A Coroner's jury recorded a verdict of accidental death.

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