Killed at the Pit – Inquiry into Death of Two Denaby Men.

October 1909

Leeds Mercury – Tuesday 19 October 1909

Killed at the Pit

 Inquiry into Death of Two Denaby Men.

The inquiry was opened yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Robinson Cummings, aged 31 years, Adwick street, and David Bamford, of Braithwell street, Denaby Main, both married, who were killed as the result of an accident on Friday morning at the Cadeby Colliery.

A third man, Willie Berry, a deputy, now lies in serious condition at the Fullerton Hospital. The Coroner expressed his deep sympathy with the bereaved families. The inquiry would have to be adjourned, in order that Berry, the injured man might attend.

Mr. Barnard, on behalf of the colliery company, wished to be associated with the sympathetic remarks passed by the Coroner.

The enginewright at the colliery, Thomas Charlie Shaw, of Elmgreenlane, Conisborough, stated that on Friday morning he was in charge of the endless rope on the pulley. He had five men with him in charge of a machine named the “Sylvester.” Cummings and Bamford, together with Berry, came into the place as they were making an inspection on behalf of the workmen, and, in accordance with the custom were accompanied by deputy. They passed out of his sight. Barber, in charge of the machine, shortly afterwards called out,”Are you clear, Berry and the deputy replied, “Yes, clear; let it go.”

The rope was let go, and when it stopped witness heard groan, and discovered that some empty tubs had run into the three men. Cummings and Bamford were dead, and Berry was taken to the hospital. He believed Berry was trying to get the men across the manhole for safety when the tubs broke loose.