Mexborough and Swindon Times January 25, 1947

Pit Rescue Bid Failed
Five Hours Bravery Commended in Cadeby Roof Fall

Buried by a fall of roof at Cadeby Main Colliery, Conisbrough, Fred Riley (30), collier, 28 Pitt Street, Mexborough, talked to his rescuers, but when his head and shoulders were freed 30 minutes later he was dead. He took his workmates approximately five hours to release his body, it was revealed at the inquest at Conisbrough on Friday.

Rescuers Commended

Miners who took part in rescue operations were commended by Mr J Madin, secretary of Cadeby NUM branch and Mr A Kaye, assistant secretary of the Yorkshire Deputies Association, when they expressed sympathy with the relatives.

An “accidental death” verdict was recorded by Doncaster District Coroner (Mr WH Carlile) who heard a story of bravery in which Riley was “most unfortunate.”

William Gomersall, collier, 39 Clifton Street, Denaby, said that on Tuesday of last week he went down the pit about 5:45 A.M. with Riley and another workmate name Watkins. They were working in “B” section in the Barnsley seam.

On arriving at their place of work they examine the roof and found that it was in a bad condition; it had been “weighting” and certain timber was inclined to be “eating out.” In general they did not like the look of it and reported immediately to the deputy, Harry Ellis.

Mr Ellis given certain instructions; to set additional timber on the new tub trap and make things as safe as they could. They had set three bars and were in the process of setting the fourth when suddenly there was a crack and “the whole show” came in.

Had to Run for It

“Watkins, Ellis and myself had to run for it,” Gomersall said, “Watkins ran to the right, Ellis to the left, and Riley was trapped by the fall. When we collect our weight to immediately start a rescue operation. While we were trying to get him out, he was speaking to us. It took us until about 11:45 A.M. to get him out, but we were able to get his head and shoulders out within half an hour. He was immediately examined by ambulancemen. He appeared to be dead. While rescue work is going on there was another slight fall.”

Gomersall told the Coroner that he knew there was a break in the roof. The fall fell along that line in the room. When he last worked in the place the previous Saturday conditions were then very good.

“It was while we were trying to make the place safe that this occurred. As far as possible it was very well timbered,” witness concluded.

John William Hallam, 16, Conan Road Conisbrough, deputy employed on the previous shift, said he made three examinations of the particular spot, the first about midnight, when it was fairly good. There was no movement at all. About 1:30 A.M. he was called to the place by the overman and found there was some line timber up. The place was “a bit on the rock,” but not serious, and he made a further inspection about 4:10 A.M., when he found there was still no movement.

There was a slip in the roof about eight or 9 inches from the phase. About 6 A.M. he went back to see if things are all right; there was still no movement but he had two men set further timber.

The Coroner asked if it was causing witness some concern, but Hallam replied; No, I had two or three props over. Better than to have two or three props under.” When he went off he reported everything was all right.

Place was “Uneasy”

Harry Ellis, deputy, Crookhill Road, Conisbrough, who took over from Hallam, said that Hallam told him the extra timber and reset in consequence of extra weight across the face.

“I went in to make an examination myself. With me were Gomersall, Watkins and Riley,” said Ellis. “I thought it was adequately supported, but in view of the place being ‘uneasy’I stayed along with the three colliers decided we should set additional props. We got three bars up and were within the act of setting a forth when Riley stepped off the belt to place the gob leg in position, Gomersall the face leg and Watkins had the bar ready to set. Without the slightest warning the roof suddenly collapsed for a distance of 5 yards. Nothing more could have been done to prevent this. I think everything possible had been done.”

The overman, Thomas Edward Larney, 22, Denaby Avenue, Conanby, who made three inspections told Mr A Hardy colliery manager that when he first visited the place all timber required in compliance with the Coal Mines Act had been set.

Death was caused by a fractured base of the skull, stated Dr DT Clark, Conisbrough.

The Coroner remarked that there seem to be no negligence on the part of anyone. It seemed most unfortunate that Riley should have been killed when efforts were being made to make the place safe.