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Full Details

Surname
STEVENS
Forename
Walter
Day
06
Month
06
Year
1914
Age
50
Occupation
Platelayer
Mine/Quarry Name
Ouston, E Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Birtley Iron Co.
Location
Ouston
County
Durham
Details of Event
Deceased and another workman having filled an oldfashioned "hex" or "cauldron" wagon holding 4 tons with the cleanings up from the railway line, were riding on each buffer on the front of it while it ran down a slight gradient. When the wagon was travelling about 6 miles an hour, on trying to brake it they found that the brake would not act, and deceased jumped off in front on to the 4-feet way, intending to run on to get to one side. He stumbled on reaching the ground and fell across the line, having both legs partially cut off. His companion jumped off in the same way but got clear. The brake would have held the wagon had it been properly applied, and deceased should have jumped from the outer side of the buffer.