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Details of Event: 16 May 1929: Kirkconnel Pit Fatality - Miner Killed by Fall of Stone - It is with much regret, that we have to record the occurrence of a distressing accident at Kirkconnel on Thursday night, when a miner named John Smith lost his life while following his employment at No.1 Fauldhead Colliery. The deceased man was about forty years of age and resided in M’Connel Street, Kellobank. He was killed by a fall of stone from the roof of the pit. Smith and his mate, Robert M’Gregor, who resides in Main Street, were working in what is known as a “stooping section” of the colliery. They had cleared the coal out, and were in the act of drawing the wood and the rails from the place, when there was a heavy surge in the roof. Both men rushed for safety, but unfortunately Smith was caught and crushed by a stone weighing several tons. M’Gregor had a very lucky escape. His unfortunate companion almost touched his shoulder as he fell crushed by the stone. The work of trying to recover the deceased man's body was carried on for five hours before it was successful. Lifting jacks were useless in trying to shift the stone, and finally blasting shots had to be used to tunnel a way to where the body was lying. The deceased leaves a wife and a large family. He was very much respected by his fellow employees, and the sad accident cast a gloom in the village. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 18 May 1929]