Died in Two Minutes – Denaby Sixth Pit fatality in 15 months

April 1949

South Yorkshire Times April 23rd 1949

Died in Two Minutes

Denaby Sixth Pit fatality in 15 months

“There is no evidence of negligence on anyone’s part,” said the Doncaster district coroner (Mr WH Carlile) and summing up at an inquest at Fullerton Hospital, Denaby, last Thursday, on Robert Rookledge (39), collier, 51 Barnburgh St, Denaby, who was killed by a fall of soft clod and stone in the Parkgate seam at Denaby Main Colliery on Monday, April 11.

A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.

Lamp on the Neck

Harry Martin, 1 Fullerton Ave, Coningsby, told in evidence how he was working with Rookledge in a stall, and when his tub was filled, seeing Rookledge with his tub also full, said “Are you coming out Bob?” Rutledge answered “Yes,” and witness set off out of the stall with his tub, expecting Rookledge to follow. When he had gone about 10 yards, he heard a sound like a fall of stone, and, turning, saw Rockledge under a fall. His head and shoulders were almost covered.

Witness and several colleagues released him, and found his lamp under his neck. The lamp was standing on its base, and the top was in his neck. He was bleeding profusely from the neck, and blood was streaming over the lamp. He was unconscious. Witness went for the first-aid equipment, and Rookledge was carried to the ambulance post at the colliery.

In reply to the Coroner, Martin stated that both he and Rookledge inspected the site before commencing work and considered it safe to work in. It was propped with steel props and packing.

Walter HenryPrince, deputy, 20, Tickhill Square, Denaby, said he inspected the stall roof and could find no fault. He asked Rookledge if he was satisfied with the roof and the answer was “Yes.” In leaving he told the men in the stall to be careful.

Coroner: Does that mean there was something you weren’t quite sure about in the stall?

Witness: No, sir, it is just a bit of routine advice I always give to the men.

Prince said Rookledge was a particularly careful worker, and would go to any lengths to make his stall safe to work in.

Dr. J. McArthur said death was due to extensive haemorrhage, caused by the severing of the carotid artery and Jugular vein, Death would occur within two minutes.

Approach to Management

Coun. J. T. E. Collins. Denaby Main NUM branch secretary, said fatal accidents were becoming too numerous at Denaby. This was the sixth, within 15 months. He disclosed that his branch are to contact the management with a view to taking some measures to bring about a reduction in the number of fatal accidents at the colliery.