Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 12 July 1929

Jumped the Wrong Way.

Goldthorpe Miner Caught by a Bump

Barnburgh Accident.

An inquest was held at the Montagu Hospital, by Mr. W. H. Carlile on Tuesday, on Charles Henry Storer 104, High Street, Goldthorpe, who was fatally injured at Barnburgh Main Colliery on Friday.

Evidence of identification was given by Rose Storer, the widow of deceased.

John Parsons, 58, Washington Street. Goldthorpe, said he was working with deceased in No. 52 stall. The accident occurred at 11.40 a.m., when deceased was cutting coal at the far aide. No props had been set, but sprags were set. Coal was overhanging about a yard, and against this a sprag was set. There was a bump, followed by the shout from deceased who jumped, and was struck by a big bump.

In a few seconds the coal was moved and deceased was got out. He was consious, and said “I jumped the wrong way.” Witness thought deceased had no chance, and that nothing could have been done to prevent the fall, which was about a ton.

A Juryman: In your opinion you did everything necessary to make the place safe —Yes.

Mr Scott Inspector of Mines: Do you think if smaller sprag had been sat it would have been safe?—No, the bump was so large.

Mr. Scott: Is there any other method by which this coal could have been got with more safety?—l thought this was a good one.

Timothy Davis. 87, Barnburgh Lane, Goldthorpe, deputy at Barnburgh Main, said he went round at 8-30 and 10-30. He examined the place and found a sprag set. He did not think it necessary to alter the method of working. He did not think a better method could have been employed, but another sprag ‘might have been set. He did not mention it because the men did not usually work in as far as a yard. It was easier, perhaps, to work that way, but had he been there he would have had another sprag up at the end. There was a possibility that the accident would not have occurred if a further spray had been put up.

It was 12-15 when witness reached the stall, and then deceased was removed from the coal. Witness asked deceased what he had done, and he replied, “I had been cutting on the far side, and there was a sudden bump. I thought I was jumping away from it, but it came on top of me.

Dr. Jean Jackson Smith said deceased was admitted to the hospital at 2-10 p.m., and died a few minutes later. His injuries were a crushed abdomen, fracture of the pelvis and of the left femur. Death was due to chock following these injuries.

The Coroner said that apparently, having regard to the weight of the bump, another sprag might have saved deceased, who was doing something which was dangerous, and had done what he considered necessary for safety. No one was to blame.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned. Mr. H. Hollings (for the Colliery Company) and Mr. A. – Williams (for the Y.M.A.). With the jury and coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives.