BRIDGE-END Pensnett, Worcestershire 11th. January, 1864.
The colliery was the property of Mr. Raybould and was worked by Jackson and Jones and five colliers were killed when they fell partway down the shaft.
On the morning of the accident, six workmen were descending the shaft and the horse driver went to the stable at the pit bank to bridle a horse. The animal turned round suddenly, knocked the driver down and rushed out into the yard. The animal fell down the shaft. The impact of the animal with the skip broke a chain and the men went to the bottom of the shaft to their deaths. Their remains were brought to the surface wrapped in sheets.
Those who died were:
- Joseph Baker,
- Job Round,
- Zachary Barker,
- John Page,
- Thomas Bate,
- George Terry.
Mr. Baker, the Inspector commented:
At the pit in question the usual mode of winding is practised, i.e. loose skips are employed instead of guides, cages, lifting wickets &c. If these latter had been in use this lamentable accident would have been prevented.
REFERENCES
The Mines Inspectors Report, 1864. Mr. Baker.
The Colliery Guardian, 16th January 1864. p.52.
Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.
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