South Yorkshire Times, May 12th 1933
Killed By Rope
Mystery of a Fracture at Cadeby
“Deplorable” Accident
An inquiry into the death of Charles Balmforth (52), 2, Willow Street, Conisbro ’was conducted by the Doncaster District Coroner Mr. W. H. Carlile at the Fullerton Hospital, Denby, on Saturday. With the Coroner was a jury, Mr. P. Collinson, (H.M. Inspector of Mines), Mr. W. Still (Manager, Cadeby Main Colliery), and Mr. J. Madin (Cadeby Branch Y.M.A.). Balmforth was found on May 4th lying seriously injured in Cadeby Colliery near a run of empty tubs which had got away through the breaking of a steel haulage rope.
Giving evidence of identification. Sarah Ann Balmforth (widow) said that her husband had worked at Cadeby Main all his working life. He left home for work at 4-45 a.m. on Thursday and was in good health.
Rope Newly Repaired
George Danford, pit corporal, 5, Elm Green Lane, Conisbrough, who was working on the same shift as Balmforth, told the Coroner he saw Balmforth two minutes before the accident. That was between 7 and 8 a.m. and in 201 level end. Balmforth told witness he was going to the greasehole to fill his grease tin. Balmforth was quite normal. “Then a run of empty tubs got away and hit a compressed air pipe at the drift bottom. I went to the West level to turn off the air, and when I came back, I heard that someone had been hurt. The cause of the runaway was the breaking of the haulage rope about 500 yards from where I was. There is a steep gradient at the place. I went to the scene of the accident which was just below 201 level end, and saw Arthur Moore holding Balmforth.”
The Coroner- did you know that this rope had been repaired the previous day? – Yes, it had become frayed. The number of tubs per run had been reduced because of the repair.
To Mr. Collinson, witness aid the rope had been running continuously for thirty minutes. He had made an examination since the accident and had seen nothing that would unduly strain the rope.
A Crash
Arthur Moore. pit corporal, 51, Ivanhoe Road, Conisboro’, said he was working about 100 yards from the dip on the north level when the accident happened. “I did not see anything, but heard a crash. I went down to the drift and saw a lot of tubs smashed up.” He went on to the drift bottom to see that the boy who worked there was safe, and then went back to the tubs and heard someone moaning. “I saw Charlie laid on the side of the road. I went to him and he asked me for a drink.”. Witness gave the man a drink and also shouted to the lad at the drift bottom to go for officials and ambulance men. Balmforth did not speak again after receiving a drink.
Questioned as to how Balmforth was lying. witness said he was on his back with his left leg against an iron girder and his right leg doubled up beneath him. The tubs were three yards away and there was a lot of rope just below the mall, but none actually touching him. His lamp was four yards to the top of him and Balmforth would be about 20 yards from the greasehole. “I believe they found his grease tin near the greasehole.”
Shocking Injuries
Dr. T. Ford, Conisboro’, who saw Balmforth shortly after admission to the Fullerton Hospital, gave evidence that the man had a wound at the back of the left thigh stretching from the knee to the pelvis. The muscles were torn open and the thigh bone badly smashed. It was a terrible wound. Balmforth’s left hand was also smashed and the right foot badly crushed. The cause of death, which would occur within minutes of the accident, was hemorrhage and shock. “I think it was the rope that caused the injuries,” added the doctor. “The man was simply torn up on his left side. The right foot injuries may have been caused by a tub or by crushing against an iron girder. There would be terrific force on the rope.”
No Sign Of Wear
Albert Kent (ropeman). 2, Old Road, Conisboro’, said he examined the rope prior to the accident. “I had let it run partly through my hand, and it showed nothing whatever. I had seen it all twice before it broke. It had been repaired the previous night, and the repairing had been well done. I was about eight yards away when the rope broke. I believe it broke just where it leads on to a drum. It gave no sign; just a bang and it had broken. One of the broken ends went 150 yards down the drift, while the other end. I think, was caught in a jack-catch. I went down the drift and could not find anything to indicate why it should have broken. It was good rope and there was no splicing near the break. There was little sign of wear, and it was a very short break.’ One of the broken ends was produced, and witness again stated there were slight signs of wear due to ordinary running. He added that he had had over 10 years’ experience with ropes, and would have pronounced the rope perfectly safe prior to the accident. It had been customary to use 7/8-inch rope on this drift, but owing to the gradient it has been changed to inch rope. It has been in use ten months.
“Solid” Break
Edward Grindle, underground engineer, 22, West Street, Conisboro’, said the rope was installed on July 9th last year and had been running since, though it had. not been having the normal usage owing to short-time working. The life of a 7/8-inch rope was between five and six months, but this was an inch rope. He examined it at least once a week. This was by sliding the rope through. the hind, observing and gauging at frequent intervals.
The latter was to test how much the rope had worn. “The last time I examined the rope was on Wednesday last week. It was in fairly good condition. There being only two places in which it had been nipped and three broken wires spaced out. I was satisfied it was perfectly safe for use. On Wednesday night two strands were broken and that place was made good. I examined the break after the accident, and it is my opinion that the break occurred in the solid rope. It would snap like without coming into contact with anything.”
Answering Mr. Collinson witness admitted that an inch rope would tend to wear when used on 7/8-inch pulleys, but the wear would be negligible.
Ample Strength
Mr. E. T. Hardy, chief engineer, said every rope on being received at the colliery was tested by his department to find the breaking strain. This particular rope gave a very good test. He had made a test since the accident and found that it had only depreciated 8.2. per cent in tensile “That does not warrant the changing of a rope. strength. When new this rope had a breaking strain of 46.4 tons, and after the accident 42.6 tons.
Mr. John Pickett, under manager, said there were three greasers working in the neighbourhood of this greasehole. They were not continuously going there. It was just a store room and was a convenient place for the feeders of the various engines in that district.
Addressing the jury, the Coroner remarked. “I have taken this case very fully and tried to get to the bottom as to why this rope should have broken. The evidence, however, shows that the rope was apparently in good condition prior to the accident. I do not think you can say there has not been sufficient care taken by the officials. I do not think any blame can be attached to anyone.”
A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
In extending sympathy to the widow and family, Mr. Still said it was a deplorable accident. We have taken good care with our ropes, but I am hoping that in future every time a rope in this district has to be spliced, a piece is taken out and tested. I hope then that we shall have a warning beforehand.”
The Coroner said he appreciated Mr. Still’s statement. Mr. Madin remarked on the first aid administered to Mr. Balmforth. and said “He was very quickly and efficiently attended to.”