PIT DEATH WAS ‘AN ACCIDENT’
 
THE death of a 50-year-old mineworker from a rock fall was an accident an inquest jury has concluded.
 
Deputy Coronor John Sleightholme had advised the jury of five women and four men at Harrogate Magistrates Court that accidental death was the only conclusion to the two-day inquest, which ended yesterday(Thursday), during which 10 witnesses gave evidence.
 
They reached a unanimous verdict after just over 35 minutes deliberation, concluding that Donald Cook died on 30 September last year as a result of “a section of the roof collapsing” at Kellingley Colliery as he inserted a rock bolt into the roof of the heading..
 
Mr. Cook, who had worked in the mining industry since 1977, was working as a member of a four-man heading team and was some four hours into his twilight shift in 501s tailgate being driven for the first coal face in the new Beeston seam when the accident occurred.
 
A post mortem revealed Mr. Cook had died as a result of haemorrhage following severe bone and soft tissue injuries to his left leg and pelvis. 
 
Chris Crouch, Public Relations, UK COAL

11 September 2009