New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
CUMMING
Forename
John
Day
11
Month
02
Year
1937
Age
44
Occupation
Unemployed Colliery Labourer
Mine/Quarry Name
Wellesley, Redd bing
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Wemyss Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Methil
County
Fifeshire
Details of Event
11 February 1937: SWEPT INTO THE SEA BY HOT ASHES – METHIL MAN DIES FROM BURNING INJURIES – An accident at the redd bing at the Wellesley Colliery sidings Denbeath on Tuesday has resulted in the death of John Cumming, residing at 64 High Street, Innerleven, Methil, who succumbed to his injuries in the Wemyss Memorial Hospital to-day. Cumming, who was an unemployed colliery labourer, was in the act of gathering coal at the bing. The bing is burning fiercely under the crust at parts, and portions of it frequently avalanche into the sea. Cumming was engulfed by a sudden slide of the red-hot material and swept into the sea. Other coal gatherers immediately rushed to his aid. On being rescued he was found to have sustained severe burning injuries to his body and legs. Deceased, who was 44 years of age, is survived by a widow and ten children. He was well known in Buckhaven and districts, being secretary of the Wemyss Parish Horticultural Society and Wemyss Hospital Appeal Fund. [Evening Telegraph 11 February 1937]