Mexborough and Swinton Times February 22, 1929

Hit By Pulley.

Rope Accident at Hickleton Main.

Thurnscoe Youth’s Death.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned at an inquest at Mexborough on Tuesday, on Oswald Moulton (21), of 25, Windsor Street, Thurnscoe, who died in the Montagu hospital on Saturday following an injury at the Hickleton Main Colliery on Friday.

Mr H Humphries, H.M. Inspector of mines; Mr J. Minnikin, general manager of the colliery; and Mr J.M. Starkey, in representing the Y.M.A. were present.

Evidence of identification was given by the father, Abraham Moulton, that a lot, of 25 Windsor St, Thurnscoe, who said he had seen his son since the accident, and his son explained that a pulley had come off and hit him in the stomach.

Dr. Joan Dunbar, house surgeon at the Montagu Hospital, said Moulton was admitted suffering from internal injuries. Later he became collapsed and his kidney was bleeding. On Saturday it was decided to operate, and it was found that the right kidney was fuptured.            Moulton died on Saturday from shock, following loss of blood, due to the injury to the right kidney.

Tom Kempson hand, at Church Street. Thurnscoe, said he was working with Moulton at the time of the accident. A load of empty tubs was being sent up and Moulton went in front of them. The rope” got fast between the fourth and fifth tubs, and witness held the tubs, shouting to Moulton to come back. Moulton returned and went to get the rope loose.         The “level” rope started moving, and this put an extra strain on the pulley. Witness held the rope strain on the pulley. Witness held the rope and was putting up a danger signal when someone rapped the rope. Witness had his back to Moulton. He heard the pulley go, and then a shout from Moulton. He found Moulton lying between the fourth and fifth tubs in the ‘run. The rope-runner came down to see where his wire was crossed, and witness sent him for assistance. Witness could not explain how the rope became fast.

In reply to Mr. Starkey witness said the tubs were not derailed.

Wm. Amos, rope-runner, of 10, Butcher Street, Thurnscoe, said he received a stop signal and went to see why he could not work the rope. The previous witness sent him for assistance.

Charles Firth, a deputy, of Chapel Lane, Thurnscoe, said half-an-hour before the accident he examined the place and it was all right. He was called after the accident, and was told the rope had being caught in the tubs.

Cross-examined by Mr. Humphreys, witness said the rope did sag, but not enough to catch the tubs. There was four or five inches clear. Since the accident the pulley had been replaced in the same position as before. When the tubs were filled nothing was allowed to jut above the level of the tubs.

In reply to Mr. Starkey, witness said he did not think that an extra pulley, which was always advisable, would have avoided the accident

The Coroner (Mr. Carlile) said that while no blame could be attached to anyone he thought it would be better if the rope runners would exercise more care.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.