Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 26 October 1940
Rescuer’s Skills Praised
At an inquest at Conisborough Friday on Fred Toft (25), collier, of 135, Schofield Street. Mexborough, who was fatally injured by a fall of roof while working at Denaby Colliery the previous Wednesday, his workmates were praised for the skill they displayed in rapidly erecting timbering ,to protect him when a second was imminent. Their efforts kept his head clear and enabled them to release him alive, but he died before he could be taken to hospital.
Henry Williams, collier, 101, Tickhill Street Denaby. said he was working with Toft in No. 6 stall of the Barnsley seam and they were twisting a tub when the fall occurred, ,It threw witness clear and Toft ,caught the brunt of it. A bar was knocked out and caught Toft and trapped him. He was buried except for his head. Witness helped others to take precautions against a further fall by placing props over the tub and on a stone at the other side, shielding Toft from further debris. There was no warning of the fall and the place was properly timbered.
Second Fall.
Hugh Williams, collier, 14. Old Hill, Conisborough, said he was working 40 yards away and with others went to Toft’s assistance. They were just finishing the protective timbering when the second fall occurred. It was much heavier than the first, but they got Toft out after about half an hour. He was conscious and spoke to them. but died in the ambulance room.
Cyril Daniels, deputy, 11, Welfare Avenue, Conanby, said after directing the rescue operations he inspected the place and found no break in the coal, but could see a slip and weight break in the roof strata. That could not have been seen before the fall. He thought the weight break caused the !fall.
In reply to Mr. J. T. E. Collins, representing the Denaby Y.M.A. branch. witness said he did not think bars set parallel with the gate would have prevented the fall.
Cause Of Death.
Dr. P. Milligan. pathologist, Doncaster, said he had conducted a post mortem examination and in addition to multiple bruises and abrasions Toft had haemorrhages of the lung and inner lining of the heart and right lobe of the liver was badly torn. The cause of death was rupture of the liver.
The Coroner (Mr. W. H. Carlile) recorded a verdict of “Accidental death.” N. Hulley. manager of the colliery, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the dead man on behalf of the company and officials and said he was a particularly good workman. He added that the precautions taken by Toft’s workmates to prevent injury to him by further falls were exceptionally good.
On behalf of the Y.M.A. Mr. Collins endorsed Mr. Hulley’s remarks