Sheffield Daily Telegraph Saturday 15 October 1927

Fall of 40 Tons.
Engine Man’s Graphic Story of Pit Accident.

A verdict of “Accidental death was returned at an inquest at Goldthorpe yesterday on Cecil Bruce (18), rope runner, of St. Mary’s Road Goldthorpe, who was killed in the Barmbrough Main Colliery on Thursday, as the result of a fall of 40 tons of roof.

Miles Lee, an engine driver, gave a graphic account of the fall. He said that as was lowering fifteen full-tubs he saw a coil of double rope coming towards the drum of the engine.

“The rope caught two props supporting the engine and pulled them down, he said, “The roof came in and completely buried Bruce and me.

The dirt and coal fell on me, but prop kept the full force of the fall off me. Bruce had nothing to stop it. I was completely buried round my legs, but the props kept all the dirt from my head.

“I heard Bruce shouting for help for about five minutes. I was got out after about 45 minutes. I had only scratch on my cheek.”

Bruce was got out after about five hours, and was dead when released.

The Coroner: I very glad that you escaped and that you were uninjured. You have had very narrow escape.

Lee: Yes, sir.