Mexborough Times, September 18, 1920
Fatal Accident at Denaby Main
Killed by Fall of Stones
In the East district of the Denaby Main mine, on Wednesday morning at 3.45, Edmund Brown (47), dataller, of York Street, Denaby Main, was building a stone pack in the coalface when a bump occurred, and caused a fall of stone, which struck him across the neck and crushed him against the pack, killing him instantly. Work was suspended for the day. go out of the
The Inquest.
Mr Frank Allen held an enquiry at the Institute, Denaby Main, yesterday (Thursday), into the circumstances surrounding the death of Edmund Brown (47), miner, of Denaby, was killed at the Denaby Colliery on Wednesday. Mr H.W.Smith, was present for the Colliery Company, and Mr A Roberts represented the Yorkshire Miners Association.
Mrs Maggie Keating, 14, George Street, Denaby, with whom deceased lodged, gave evidence of identification.
John Parker, deputy, of 62, Carlisle Street, Mexborough, said that Brown was working in 24 stall, East district of the Denaby pit. About 3.45 a.m.. Witness was called to the place of the accident, and found deceased pinned by his head and shoulders between two large pieces of rock. Diseased was quite dead. He helped to extricate him. Witness had previous the same night tested the roof, which appeared quite safe. The roof. At this particular place was of rock.
Fred Joiner, 41. Crossgate, Mexborough, stated that he was at work with Brown at the time of the accident. They were both engaged filling a pack. He helped deceased to lift a stone onto the pack. This seemed unsatisfactory to deceased, and he was attempting removed himself when a “bump” occurred, and without warning, a piece of rock, about 6 cwts, fell and pinned him. Brown must´ve been killed instantly. Witness said the place was well timbered.
The coroner, in returning a verdict of “accidentally killed,” said it, that it was an accident which, unfortunately, could not be avoided, and none could be held responsible.
Mr H.W.Smith, expressed sympathy with relatives of deceased, on behalf of the Colliery Company, and Mr A Dr Roberts also voiced the sympathy of the workmen.