New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
BENNIE
Forename
Thomas Dalziel
Day
23
Month
05
Year
1953
Age
25
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Fauldhead, No.3 Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
National Coal Board
Location
Kirkconnel
County
Dumfriesshire
Details of Event
23 May 1953: Miner Fatally Injured – Accident At Fauldhead Colliery - A 25 year old miner, Thomas Bennie, 6 Birkburn Road, died in Dumfries Infirmary on Saturday morning as the result of injuries received in an accident at Fauldhead Colliery, on Friday afternoon. John Furlow, aged 36, of Birkburn Road; Andrew M’Cluskie (29) of Guffock Road, and Gilbert Clark (31) of Birkburn Road, were also involved in the accident, and Furlow’s condition is still serious. The accident occurred in Bankhead Stooping section of No.3 colliery just before the completion of the day shift. Furlow was drawing timber after a "lift" had been finished, when he was hit by a stone which fell from the roof. Bennie, who was working with Furlow, got assistance from M’Cluskie and Clark, and they were trying to release their injured workmate when another fall occurred and they were pinned to the ground. Other workmen were quickly on the scene and succeeded in getting the men clear. Medical attention was given underground by Dr Bruce, who was accompanied by officials. The injured men had to be carried a distance of about one and a half miles underground, and Dr Bowman Edgar was waiting on the surface. The men were removed by ambulance to Dumfries Infirmary. Bennie sustained a fracture of the skull and internal injuries. Furlow had multiple injuries. M’Cluskie, severe bruises, and Clark, badly bruised knee. Bennie's death caused much regret in the district where he was well-known and highly respected. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 27 May 1953]