New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
HECKIE
Forename
John Jnr
Day
01
Month
12
Year
1903
Age
14
Occupation
Hanger on
Mine/Quarry Name
Fordell
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Countess of Buckinghamshire
Location
Crossgates
County
Fifeshire
Details of Event
To obviate the necessity of a mid-working at winding shaft a drop pit is in use to lower the coal from the Five-feet seam to the Dunfermline splint seam. The pit is 58 feet deep and is worked in the usual way. The top is fenced by sliding gates with back balance weights so that slight pressure has to be applied by the hand to raise or lower them. Deceased was employed as a hanger on at a brae foot close by the drop pit and was in the habit of putting load tubs on and taking empty tub off the cages without let or hindrance. The lad in charge of the pit was hurriedly called away to assist to re-rail some tubs and had apparently forgotten to lower the gate of the side on which a load tubs had descended and deceased coming forward shortly thereafter pushed a loaded tub into the open side and he and it fell to the bottom.