Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	3rd June 1938
Colliery:	Horden
Cause:	(See description below)
Lives Lost:	1

HORDEN PONY DRIVER'S FATE

MYSTERY OF DEATH UNSOLVED AT INQUEST

The mystery surrounding the death of Thomas Francis Allison (17), of Third Street, Horden, a pony driver at Horden Colliery, was not cleared up at the inquest at Horden on Wednesday night.

Deputy Coroner F. A. Milburn and a jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and added that there was not sufficient evidence to show how Allison came to his death.

Peter Bainbridge, uncle, with whom the youth resided, gave evidence of identification.

Raymond Green, of Handley Street, Horden, landing lad, said that on June 3 Allison was bringing tubs to the landing in the Low Main Seam, Horden Colliery.

"I was coming up the landing after getting a full set out-by when I saw Allison about 15 yards away. He was standing between the two tram tracks and there were tubs on both sides. I was putting drags on top of the tubs ready for use, and when I looked again about two minutes later I saw him lying on the ground between the two tracks.

HEAD STRUCK ON GIRDER

"I went up to him and saw that he was unconscious but breathing. I sent for the deputy and later I found Allison's cap on one of the two full tubs which he had brought in, while his lamp was about four feet away. The tubs had not been moved between the first time I saw him and when I found him."

In reply to the Coroner, the witness said he thought Allison had struck his head on a girder.

In answer to Mr. W. B. Brown, H.M. Mines Inspector, Green said that there was about three or four inches clearance between the tubs and the roof. The rope which passed between the tracks was running while Allison was driving into the landing.

Evidence was also given by Gordon Crockett, of South Terrace, Horden, a putter, and George Maddison, of Morpeth Street, Horden, deputy-overman. The latter stated that he examined the place after the accident bit found nothing wrong.

Mr. Milburn said Allison died in Horden Cottage Hospital from a fracture of the base of the skull. According to the doctor there were superficial bruises on the left side of the skull, one on the right temple and a cut on the right ear.

Source: Durham County Advertiser, Friday, 10 June, 1938.

	Allison, Thomas Francis, aged 17, Pony Driver, struck head on girder, address: Third Street, Horden, Buried: Easington Colliery Cemetery
	All names found

10 Jun 1938

Horden Pony Driver's Fate, Mystery of Death Unsolved at Inquest (Durham County Advertiser)

 

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