Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 08 November 1929

Killed By Roof Fall
Another of Nature’s Revenges.
A Swinton Victim.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned at an Inquest at Swinton on Wednesday when an inquiry was held by Dr. A. M. Connell into the death of Harold Andrew Frost (15), 188. Wath Road, Roman Terrace, Swinton, who was buried by a fall of roof at Manvers Main, on Monday.

The coroner was assisted by a jury and there were also present Mr. P. L. Collinson (H.M. inspector). and Mr. G. Price (manager of the mine).

John Frost (father) gave evidence of identification. His son left home for work at 5 o’clock on Monday morning. Witness heard of the accident about 11, when his son’s body was taken home.

George Walker, 43, Blythe Street, Wombwell, said he had known Frost for eight months as an assistant haulage hand. The boy was intelligent and a good worker. On Monday, about 7-30 a m.. while Frost was working at the junction of 88’s and 99s “gates” in the Seven Slants district, a fall of roof occurred and Frost was completely buried. Witness did not see the accident, but when it happened, Frost was in his proper place at the junction. As the fall ocurred, a run of full tubs was being sent down from 99’s stall and Frost was stood at the side of the rails.

Anthony Parkin, of 35, Dolcliffe Road. Mexborough, said he had been a colliery deputy for 23 years. On Monday about 4-15 a.m., he examined the spot where the fall occurred and in his opinion, the roof was perfectly safe.

The Coroner: You still think it was safe? Yes sir.

Then why has it fallen and killed this lad?— I cannot say, sir.

Was that spot timbered—No sir. It did not require timbering. It was not necessary.

But you know this lad has met his death there?—Yes sir. The roof wanted ripping.

How far apart were the supports?—About 12 feet, sir.

The Coroner asked Kr. Collinson if he was satisfied that the place was perfectly safe and that everything had been done for safety.

Mr. Collinson: I am of the opinion that if a bar had been set across the junction the accident would probably have been prevented.

The Coroner: But there is nothing in the Coal Mines Act which states that that should be done. This man has had 23 years’ experience and says that the place was safe.

The Coroner (to Parkin): Are you going to wait for a further accident before you take any precaution? Why did you not do something to protect this place?

Parkin: The whole 12 feet did not drop.

The Coroner: I am not such a fool as to think that. Is it possible to support this roof? —No. I do not think so.

Supposing you had wanted to timber it, was there plenty of material ?—Yes, sir.

Can you explain how this fall occurred.—No.

Was it an unusual length that fell?— Yes.

And you did not take any protestations to ‘top it.—No. I thought it was safe.

How much longer will this fall than usual? — There are usually 12 feet lengths at the junctions.

Am I right in saying that it was not an unusual fall? — Yes.

Mr, Collinson. Why is it not feasible to timber such a place—lt wanted ripping. There was not the height.

Wes there my support—There was a prop at the Junction.

Is it not feasible that you should make height and put in a bar in future? —When we get ripping far enough away.

Mr. Collinson: I do not follow you.

Parkin said that in this particular spot it would not do to make height and set a bar.

The Coroner: Why? Would you weaken something else?—l think the place was an right as it was.

James Batty, 105. Bridge Street. Swinton, the district corporal, said he visited Frost half an-hour before the accident to find out where some tubs were. The place appeared very safe.

The Coroner: What do you think caused the accident? —l could not any sir. Everything seemed quiet when I was there.

Batty added that after the accident, they had the boy’s face clear in three minutes, and his body extricated in ten minutes. The tall was about one and half tons in weight.

The Coroner said that he had consulted the Inspector and he was satisfied that there had been no contravention of the Coal Mines Act. That was what they wanted to know because they were there for the safeguarding of the men. The deputy had seemed rather indignant at certain of his questions but Batty had given his evidence clearly and well. There were occasions when there were unaccountable falls of roof. As men, they were not infallible. From the evidence, there appeared Is be no fault on the part of this boy or the management.