Trapped By Falling Stone – “Accidental Death” Verdict at Denaby

May 1948

South Yorkshire Times May 15 , 1948

Trapped By Falling Stone
“Accidental Death” Verdict at Denaby

A verdict of “accidental death” was returned by a jury at Fullerton hospital on Tuesday at an inquest on Benjamin Armitage (20) of 15 Chambers Avenue, Conanby, who met his death on Friday at Denaby Main when a large piece of stone fell from the roof and pinned him to the ground.

He was released within a few minutes but was found to be dead after sustaining head injuries.

John Farmer, of 90 Blyth St, Denaby, told the Coroner (Mr W.H.Carlisle) and jury that he was working on Friday on the afternoon shift in the Parkgate seam with Armitage and five other men.

“The roof was supported as usual by bars and middle sets. The deputy had visited the place. A stone fell from the roof onto Armitage. It was about 5’6” long, 4’5” wide, tapering to 1’ 8 inches and weighed approximately 22 cwt.”

The Coroner: Are you quite satisfied with the working conditions there? – Yes.

No Signs of Break

William Henry Taylor, of 46 Priory Road, Conisbrough, a filler employed at Denaby Main corroborated farmers evidence.

The deputy who had inspected the place in which Armitage was working, Thomas J.S.Wallace, 49 Gardens Ln, Conisbrough, said

There were no signs of breaks in the roof. I was quite content with the place. The stone in my opinion had fallen from a slip due to water breaking through.”

Mr Carlile: Do you consider any further steps could have been taken to avoid the accident?

Wallace: Under the circumstances, no.

Doctor D.T. Clark said cause of death was a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain.

Mr J Halford, manager of Denaby Main Colliery, paid tribute to the cool and collected way his work mates had quickly rescued Armitage. This was endorsed by Mr JTE Collins, NUM secretary, and Mr Foster representing the Yorkshire Deputies Association.