South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 02 May 1942

Four Months After Accident

Thurnscoe Mine Worker’s Death

A verdict of “Accidental Death” was recorded by Doncaster District Coroner (Mr. W. H. Carlile) at a Mexborough inquest on Friday on John Joseph Phelps (35) conveyor turner. Marlborough Avenue. Thurnscoe, who died In the Montagu Hospital on April 21st, from injuries received while working at Barnburgh Main Colliery on November 8th, 1941.

Ernest Perry, conveyor erector, 14, Ledley Street. Goldthorpe, said on November et 1941, he was working with Phelps and they were getting a conveyor motor ready. The roof was supported with a steel prop and girder and by “horse head” girders. Before Phelps could get the motor over he had to get another prop out. He heard nothing but saw Phelps pinned by stone and a girder.

Wilfred Hazeldine, deputy, 72, Probert Avenue. Goldthorpe, said the place was supported in the usual manner. He examined the place previously but could see nothing unusual. The overman examined the place after the accident and witness examined it the next day. The girders had been put back in their proper position and he could not say what the cause of the accident was.

Dr J G Marsaid death was due to bronchial pneumonia, which Phelps contracted from a cold, due to acute infection, which resulted from paralysis, due to a fractured dislocation of the spine.