Mexborough and Swinton Times July 19, 1941
Killed By Piece Of Coal
Hickleton Miner’s Injuries
The Doncaster District Coroner, Mr. W. H. Carlile, recorded a verdict of Accidental Death” at an inquest at the Montagu Hospital on Monday on John Slee (33), coal cutter, of 104. Deightonby Street, Thurnscoe, who died at the Hospital on Saturday morning after receiving injuries in Hickleton Main Colliery on Friday.
Arthur Hull, of 32, Lancaster Street. Thurnscoe, who was working with Slee in 276’s unit of the Parkgate seam, said that at 1 am. they were pulling out a cutter rope length ready for cutting a length of the face. They had completed one length and were running the rope out for a second when there was a slight ” bump” and a large piece of coal burst from the face and fell on Slee. This came from between the “muck band and the top, and was about five feet long, fifteen inches thick, and a yard wide. Slee was released and put on the conveyor belt, where he complained of pelvic pains. Witness said the place was satisfactory before the accident happened.
Owen Leonard Holmes, of 103. Deightonby Street, Thurnscoe, deputy on the shift in question, said when he arrived the man was on the conveyor belt. Witness examined the place but could find nothing to indicate what had happened. The place was well timbered, and witness thought it was quite safe.
Dr. J. G. Mar, resident surgical officer at the Montagu Hospital, said Slee, after treatment for shock, was operated upon, after an X-ray had revealed that the pelvic bones were fractured in about five places. The bladder was ruptured and there was some hemorrhage. After the operation Steels condition was fair, and he rallied sufficiently to speak. Soon after midnight, however, he had a relapse and died about 1 a.m. on July 12th. Death was due to shock and hemorrhage from multiple injuries.
Expressions of sympathy were voiced by Mr. H. Bunting (manager), on behalf of the Colliery Company, and Mr. W. M. Starkey, who represented the Yorkshire Mineworkers’ Association. Mr. H. Storey, His Majesty’s Inspector of Mines, was also present.