South Yorkshire Times, June 24th, 1944
Fall After “Gob” Break
Thurnscoe Miner Killed
The Doncaster District Coroner (Mr W. H. Carlile), recorded a verdict of “Accidental Death” at a Thurnscoe inquest on Saturday, on Robert Richardson (60), collier of 50, Windsor Street, Thurnscoe, who was killed by a fall of roof in the Parkgate seam in Hickleton Main Colliery last Thursday morning.
John Humphrey Robson, collier, 26, Windsor Street, Thurnscoe, said shortly before the fall occurred the “gob” had broken behind them. When the fall occurred, witness had about 20 minutes to get Richardson out. There was no warning of the fall, but the breaking of the “gob” was an indication of weight. Richardson had set two bars. The place was a bad one, lying between two faults. George Raymond Clarke, collier, 23, Cromwell Street, Thurnscoe, said that the fall followed within a minute of the break in the gob. Questioned as to the number of supports in Richardson’s stint witness said there were two bars on middle sets only. It was the usual procedure to get the bars double legged as soon as possible but he thought Richardson would not have had time to complete them.
John Joseph Thompson, deputy 105, Deightonby Street, Thurnscoe, said when he visited the place at 7 and10-30 it was well timbered. There were bars across the pan track and a catch prop at the top side of Richardson’s stint and one at the lower side. The fall extended eight feet the biggest piece of stone measuring four feet by three by two coming from a slip rounded at right angles to the face. It was not possible to see the slip before the fall occurred. Witness thought the slip would not have been loosened by the breaking of the “gob.”
Mr. H. S. Stevenson (H. M. Inspector of Mines), said there was a distance of 19 ft. between the completed bars which was supported by catch props. He asked witness if he saw how far Richardson had taken the top end in from the bottom. Witness replied that it would be 4ft. 6 inches, well in advance of the stints on either side and more than the usual distance before taking up the bottoms.
He was surprised to see the amount of coal taken out before the other middle sets were completed . When Mr. Stevenson suggested that there was no obstruction to Richardson stamping in a face side leg to complete the support, and that they came again to the question of unstable timbering , witness agreed.
Dr. J. L. McColm, Thurnscoe, said death was caused by shock due to injuries which included fractures of the spine, pelvis and ribs.
The Coroner said that he had no doubt that as a result of the accident that consideration would be given to the question of working and that effective steps would be taken to prevent a similar accident in this particular stretch of face.