New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
RICHARDS
Forename
Richard
Day
07
Month
01
Year
1908
Age
22
Occupation
Fitter
Mine/Quarry Name
Penallta
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Hengoed
County
Glamorganshire
Details of Event
Deceased and two other men were replacing the motor-shaft of the overhead electric travelling crane in the engine house. Richards was seated on a plank waiting to receive the end of the shaft when he was joined by Phillips. Directly the latter got on the plank it broke in the middle, and they were precipitated to the floor, a distance of 50 feet. The plank which was 10 feet long 9 inches wide and 3 inches thick, rested on the two gantry rails, which were 7 feet apart, the actual unsupported span being 6 feet 9 inches. It had been kept up at the crane for some months, and had supported two men only a few days before. The fracture showed no sign of having existed for some time, the surfaces being quite clean and free from dry rot. That the mere weight of the two men broke such a good looking plank is incredible, it must have been severely strained some time previously. All witnesses agreed that it was not strained on the day of the accident, and no one could remember a previous strain. 2 killed.