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Full Details

Surname
CARROLL
Forename
Michael
Day
25
Month
07
Year
1934
Age
21
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Fauldhead, No.1 Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Bairds & Scottish Steel Ltd
Location
Kirkconnel
County
Dumfriesshire
Details of Event
25 July 1934: Fatal Colliery Accident - Young Kirkconnel Miner Killed - No.1 Fauldhead Pit, Kirkconnel, was the scene of a fatal accident on Wednesday afternoon, when a young miner, Michael Carrol, aged 21 years, lost his life under distressing circumstances. He was employed on the afternoon shift, and had just started his work when the accident happened. The morning shifts at the collieries were idle on Wednesday, but the back shift was working, and the men descended the pit at two o'clock. Carrol was engaged at the coal in a long-wall section known as Young's Dook, and when the squad reached the section they sat down for a few minutes' rest before separating to take up their duties in their respective working places. Carrol and his mate, Robert Livingstone, who resides at Kellobank, had just commenced work, and were in the act of filling their first hutch of coals when a fall from the roof occurred. They received no warning, and, unfortunately for Carrol, he received the full force of the fall. Livingstone, who was at the other side of the working place, was saved by the hutch breaking the force of the fall. The alarm was given, and men rushed from the other places to assist in clearing away the debris to extricate the unfortunate youth. This was accomplished with all possible speed, but the lad was dead, and from the nature of his injuries it was evident that death had been instantaneous. News of the accident spread quickly throughout the village, and the miners could be seen in groups anxiously awaiting the news. When the worst became known, manifestations of profound sorrow were evidenced on all sides, and the utmost sympathy was shown to the bereaved family. The deceased youth resided with his parents in Anderson Street, Kelloholm. The eldest of a large family, he was extremely popular with all classes of the community. He was an enthusiastic cyclist, and figured prominently in local juvenile football circles. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 28 July 1934]