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Full Details

Surname
TOMLINSON
Forename
W.H.
Day
Month
02
Year
1908
Age
19
Occupation
Labourer
Mine/Quarry Name
Fryston
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Wheldale Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Fryston
County
Yorkshire WR
Details of Event
A new pair of engines were to be erected to wind the Beeston Seam. The surface is loose and it was necessary to dig deep foundations. A large excavation was made 36ft. in depth and a travelling crane was used to raise the elevated dirt. At the time of the accident seven men were in the excavation, and a full box had been raised and was being swung round by the jib after clearing the excavation, when the crane fell over. The boiler tore itself from the seating and rolled into the excavation and the seven men at the bottom were severely scalded by the steam escaping from the broken fittings and connections. The travelling rails were well laid but the one at the box side was of an inch lower than the other. The box and its contents weighed 30cwts. It is probable that equilibrium of the crane was disturbed by a sudden application of the brake when the box was being lowered, and if the box were allowed to swing seriously the same effect might be produced. Tomlinson died on the 29th, but the other men fortunately recovered from their injuries. Occurred in February.