THE FATALITY AT BLACKBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1928, Page 6

THE FATALITY AT BLACKBALL

ONE MAX FATALLY INJURED. About 7.30 o'clock yesterday morning, a heavy lull of coal occurred at the working face in No. 4 level of the Rack call Mine, resulting in the death of a miner, and injury to two other men. Their names are as lollows:.Mr H. Chilton (President of the Aimers’ Union), fatally injureu. Mr T. LeitJi, slightly injured. Air A. .McClure, slightly injured. So sudden was the fall, that the men <1 id not. have the slightest warning. Cunton and Leitcli were entombed for some time in the coal, while AieCluie managed to extricate himself. Willing hands were soon feverishly working to rescue their unfortunate mates, and within a comparatively short period, they were released. Leitcli and McClure-received severe cuts and bruises, and the former sulI'ered somewhat from shock. Chilton however, was crushed by a considerable quantity of the fallen coal. Medical aid was summoned, and Dr Rennett was soon on the scene. Chilton was found to have been severely injured, and was suffering so acutely from shock that it was deemed advisable to remove him to h:s home instead of the hospital, the latter being further away. His injuries were apparently mainly to a thigh and shoulder, but it is probable that lie also suffered internally. Oxygen was administered every half-hour, but he failed to revive, and died at 2.00 p.m. The scene of the tragedy was considered a hard place, the men being engaged in working a top seam of hard coal. The coal fell from a height of 18 feet, and eemorised alrr three tons.