Facts
The defendant's reservoir overflowed because a third party emptied his own reservoir into the stream feeding it.
Issue
Is the act of a stranger a defence?
Held
No liability.
Principle
A is not liable under Rylands where the escape was caused by the unforeseeable act of a stranger over whom he had no control.
Why it matters
Stranger defence.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Box v Jubb (1879) 4 Ex D 76 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/box-v-jubb> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.