Description

Died from injuries received the previous day while ascending the upcast shaft at Edmondsley Colliery. Snaith and three other men were riding to bank in a kibble "each with one leg out, sitting on the edge, and holding the bow with one hand". Peter Stewart, an engine fitter, was using a small iron hook to guide the kibble as they were drawn up, but after it passed a bunton it began to sway. He called "Hold", but they struck another bunton before the banksman had time to stop the engine. Snaith was caught on his hands and shoulder, and as he hung over the side his comrades kept hold of him, then drew him back in. He had been seriously injured but was still concious when they reached the surface, he was taken home where he died the next day.

Medical evidence given at the inquest indicated that he had "Died from compression of the grain, caused by an effusion of blood andserous matter, the result of the accident"

Sources

• Text kindly provided by Jim Grainger from his research into early newspapers (primarily the Durham Advertiser and Durham Chronicle).

Researchers

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