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Full Details

Surname
STANTON
Forename
Reuben
Day
17
Month
02
Year
1908
Age
49
Occupation
Stallman
Mine/Quarry Name
Littleton
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Littleton Collieries Ltd
Location
Huntington
County
Staffordshire
Details of Event
Deceased who was usually employed as a miner at the coal face, was set on by the fireman to rip down a ‘bridge’ about 8 yards in length, on the main haulage road, which is 10ft. wide. The bridge which was about 16ins. in thickness and consisted of very jointy rock, was supported by side props and lids, and by a steel girder which crossed the road 5ft. from its outer end. The fireman instructed him to commence at the inner end, and blow down the rock, taking out the props and girder as he came to them and deceased returned with him to the shaft bottom to obtain the explosive. Instead of carrying out his instructions, deceased appears to have concluded that he could facilitate the work by taking out the girder first. He did so and the whole length of the bridge came down with it killing him instantly. Had he done as he was told, the work could have been done practically without risk.