Tuckachinsky v. Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co.

Opinion by

Me. Justice Pottee,

It is contended in this case, upon the part of the appellant, that it was for the jury to say, whether or not the powder house of the defendant company was a private nuisance, and if they so found, that then the defendant was liable for damages caused by the explosion, regardless of the question of negligence. When originally located, the magazine was not in the vicinity of a residence district; but with the growth of the community, the population has settled near the shaft and near the magazine, in apparent disregard of any danger from explosion.

At the time of the accident, the defendant company had four and one half boxes of dynamite, and four and one half kegs of black powder, stored in a wooden building, fourteen feet square and twelve feet high, in an open space near the shaft of its colliery. The mine was not in operation at the time, but some dead work was being done, in which powder was necessary.

The testimony shows that the explosion was caused by lightning.

The plaintiff was standing in the doorway of her father’s house, and seems to have been thrown backwards and down a flight of stairs, by the concussion of the air, receiving injuries for which it is here sought to recover damages. The trial court gave binding instructions to the jury, to find for the defendant, in the following language: “ There is not, therefore, any evidence in the case of any negligence on the part of the defendant, unless it consists in its having the kind and quantity of explosives in the place at the time, for the purpose and under the circumstances already stated. As to this there is no controversy, no dispute, no question of fact to be determined ; the only question to be decided is, whether under the law, this state of facts constitutes negligence in itself, for which plaintiff may recover in this action. This is a question, not of fact for the jury, but of law, the duty of deciding which is laid upon the court. In the discharge of this duty, we say to you, gentlemen, that in our opinion, the fact that the defendant had at the time and place of the accident, four boxes and a part of a box of dynamite, and four kegs and a part of a keg of black powder, in its powder house, located as it was shown to be, did not in itself constitute negligence for which the plaintiff is entitled to recover in this action; and we therefore instruct and direct you to return a verdict in this case in favor of the defendant.” This action of the court is assigned as error. A nuisance has been defined as “that which annoys and disturbs one in the possession of his property, rendering its ordinary use or occupation physically uncomfortable to him.” The evidence in this case shows that the powder magazine has been in use by the defendant company for more than thirty years, and that the plaintiff has resided within about 700 feet of it, for some sixteen years. Yet there is no testimony to show that any apprehension of danger, or any fear of explosion, was felt, or expressed by any one, during that time. No objection to the location or maintenance of the magazine has been shown. The explosives were stored in small quantities, to meet current needs. Such materials are always dangerous, but as their use is essential to the work of mining, it is impossible to protect absolutely, persons or property in the immediate vicinity. The risk is similar to that arising from the operation of steam boilers, and other machinery, and apparatus necessary to the prosperity of great communities.

Negligence in the care of the explosives or in the management of the magazine, was neither charged nor proven. The only question in the case, was as to whether or not the magazine was in itself a nuisance. We can see nothing in the evidence to support such a finding. The explosives were kept only for use in the mine, and were kept in small quantities. The explosion was caused by no act of the defendant, but by a stroke of lightning. The trial court could not have sustained a verdict for the plaintiff, upon the evidence. His instructions to the jury, to find in favor of defendant, were proper, and the judgment is affirmed.