Durham Mining Museum - Newspaper Articles (original) (raw)

19th June 1902

Fall Of Roof At William Pit, Whitehaven

One Man Killed And Two Injured

Sad news soon spread through the town on Sunday that a fall of roof had taken place at one of the local pits, resulting in a man being killed and two injured. A man named William Evans, was employed as a driftsman at William Pit, Whitehaven, with fifteen other men, removing a quantity of stone, which had fallen from the roof during the night, and had broken some water pipes which they were repairing. Evans went to work at six a.m., on the 15th inst., and at about twelve o'clock, whilst he was at work a second fall of roof came down and fell upon him. When he was extricated from amongst the debris he was quite dead, having received serious injuries to the head. Deceased was 42 years of age, and resided with his wife at 6, Hugh-street, Bransty, Whitehaven. He was out in South Africa for a year or so during the present war on active service. He returned several months ago, and was employed at the pit as stated before, where he was highly respected by those with whom he came in contact. Two other men were injured, namely, Mr. Wilson Graham, deputy overman, who lives at Bransty, and Robert Roberts.

The Inquiry Adjourned.

Mr. Atter, deputy coroner for West Cumberland opened an inquest at the Queen's Arms, Bransty Row, Whitehaven, on Monday evening. Mr. J. Waugh was chosen foreman of the jury.

Mr. L. T. Helder appeared for the Whitehaven Colliery Company. Mr. Turner, manager of William Pit, was also present.

Mrs. Elizabeth Evans, wife of deceased, gave evidence of identification. He died on Sunday morning last.

This was all the evidence, and the inquiry was adjourned till to-day (Thursday) at the Magistrates Court, for the attendance of H.M. Inspector of Mines.

Newspaper transcript kindly provided by
West Cumbria Mines Research.