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Full Details

Surname
SNEDDON
Forename
Robert
Day
14
Month
06
Year
1930
Age
45
Occupation
Oncost Worker
Mine/Quarry Name
Mauldslie
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Wilson's & Clyde Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Carluke
County
Lanarkshire
Details of Event
14 June 1930 Law Colliery Accident – One Man Killed and Another Injured – A sad colliery accident, resulting in the death of one man and serious injury to another, took place in the Mauldslie Mine of Wilson's & Clyde Coal Company early on Saturday morning last. Robert Sneddon, 45, oncost worker, residing at Waterlands Farm, Law, was instantly killed and Thos. Moffat, colliery fireman, 28 Anstruther Street, Law, was seriously injured. The accident occurred through the breaking of the haulage rope for the hauling of hutches up the mine, thus allowing a rake of four loaded hutches and two empty hutches to run back down the steep gradient of the mine. It appears that while the rake was in process of being taken to the surface, Sneddon and Moffat had gone to examine the roof of the mine. While engaged in this work Moffat states he heard the sound of hutches running at a great speed. At first he thought this was the sound of the rake being drawn rapidly to the surface, but it then flashed upon him that this was the runaway rake coming back. At this time Moffat and the deceased were walking in the narrow space between the side of the mine and the main haulage road, and going in the direction of the surface. When Moffat realised the danger he shouted to Sneddon to cross the haulage road and secure a manhole in which to take shelter, and at the same time he endeavoured to cross over himself. He stumbled and fell against the side of the mine and crawled close to the wall. While lying in this position with his face to the roof the rake went crashing past him at a tremendous speed. Something struck him on the forehead and for a moment he was dazed. Moffat's light had gone out, and he had no means of going in search of his companion. After shouting several times and receiving no answer, he made for the surface of the mine in the dark. When about one hundred yards distant from the mine mouth he became completely exhausted and had to come to a halt. He shouted for assistance and several men came to his aid, taking him to the surface. A search was made and the body of Sneddon was found about 400 yards down the mine and very near to the wrecked hutches. The haulage rope had apparently broken near to the hutches, and it is supposed that it was the portion attached to the rake that struck Moffat as he lay at the side of the mine. The accident caused a painful sensation throughout the district and the deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Sneddon and other relatives of the deceased. [Hamilton Advertiser June 21 1930]