Newspaper Transcription MM62 |
| 1898, 22nd April ALEXANDER STITT FATAL PIT ACCIDENT A young lad named Alexander Stitt, aged 15, was at work in Gateside coal pit, near Sanquhar, yesterday afternoon, when a fall of stone from the roof occurred, and the poor fellow was crushed to death. Another miner, named Samuel Graham, had a narrow escape, part of the stone falling on his leg. Graham is, however, we are glad to learn, not so seriously injured as was at first feared. Dumfries & Galloway Standard 23/04/1898 / S / 4 / C
An inquiry was yesterday held at Dumfries under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act into the circumstances attending the death of Alexander Stitt, miner, fifteen years of age, who resided at 8 Leven Road, Sanquhar, and who was killed on Friday, 22nd April in the north workings of the Gateside coal pit, by a block of coal weighing over two tons falling upon him. Sheriff Campion presided, and the following jury was empanelled; Mr. James Morton, spirit merchant; Mr. John Farrow, coal merchant; Mr. Thomas Corrie, spirit merchant; Mr. John Thompson, innkeeper; Mr. John Lothian, butcher; Mr. John Grierson, furniture dealer; and Mr. Thomas Rogerson, furniture dealer. The examination of witnesses was conducted by Mr. C. S. Phyn, and questions were also put by Mr. J. M. Ronaldson, Glasgow, inspector of mines. The evidence showed a crack had occurred in the roof of the pit at that part, and though it was supported by three props it gave way when preparations were being made for putting up additional props. Stitt, at the time on a message from his father, who was also employed in the pit, was crushed to death, and Samuel Graham, another miner, had a narrow escape, his foot being caught by the stone, which measured eleven feet in length and five feet at one end and three and a half at the other. The witnesses examined were: William Stewart, Kirkconnel; Robert Love, Church Road, Sanquhar; Nisbet Gray, Braehead Cottage; James Kerr, Sanquhar; and John Stitt, Sanquhar (father of the deceased). The jury returned a formal verdict, and directed their fees to be given to the lad’s father.
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