Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 26, 1919
Wath Main Accident.
Mexboro’ Man’s Death from Injuries.
Edward Guest (45), a miner of 16 York Street, Mexborough, who was badly injured in the Wath Main mine on June 21, died in the Montagu Hospital on Tuesday morning.
At the inquest held on Wednesday, Sam Dunstan, 13, Belmont street, Mexborough, who was working with deceased at the time of the accident said they were asked to remove a fall of dirt from the main haulage way in the Parkgate seam.
They inspected the place, and finding it a little “unsettled,” decided to suspend operations for a time. After waiting 15 minutes, deceased, who was in charge, considered that it would be safe to commence, and a start was made. They pulled out of the side a piece of hanging stone. They were about to commence-filling, and while witness was turning to hang up his lamp, the stretcher in the roof fell away and a further fall occurred. Deceased was knocked down and partially buried. First aid was rendered, and he was extricated and removed from the pit.
The roof was inspected by witness and deceased before the work was commenced, and it appeared quite safe.
Mr. H. Cutts, representing the Y.M.A. asked if they heard many “bumps” in that district, and was told they did not.
Chas. Osgathorpe, 38, Wath road, Bolton, deputy, said he visited deceased and the last witness about an hour before the accident. He was not informed of the fall, though that was not unusual, as deceased and witness were authorised to clear the plane in case of minor falls. Both of them were experienced men.
Sister A. Stevens said deceased was admitted to the hospital on June 21, suffering from fractures of both arms and the left leg, with scalp wounds and abrasion’s on his back. He was attended by Dr. Harvey. Death was due to septic pneumonia, attributable to the injuries he had received.
A verdict of “Accidental death” was re-turned.