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The scales of justice on a plain background

Century Insurance Co Ltd v Northern Ireland Road Transport Board

1942 · [1942] AC 509

Posted By lanbuk.com

Facts

A tanker driver lit a cigarette and threw away the lighted match while delivering petrol, causing an explosion.

Issue

Was he acting in the ?

Held

Yes; the employers were liable.

Principle

A way of doing what one is employed to do is within the course of employment.

Why it matters

Leading case on improper modes.

Cited in these chapters

Cite this page

Century Insurance Co Ltd v Northern Ireland Road Transport Board [1942] AC 509 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/century-insurance-v-nirtb> accessed 31 October 2026

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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.