Sheffield Independent January 8, 1897

A Pony Drivers Death at Darfield Main

An inquest was held yesterday by Maj Taylor, at the Devonshire Hotel Barnsley, pitching the death of John William Dent Carew, age 15 years, pony driver, of Ship Croft, Wombwell, who died at the hospital on Tuesday evening . The lad, who worked at the Darfield Mane Colliery, was found laid on the side in the bottom of the pit on the morning in question by John Lambert. He was in great pain, and was taken to hospital, but he died the same evening.

Dr Brock, acting house surgeon, stated deceased was quite collapsed when admitted. There were severe bruises both on the back and front of the abdomen. In his opinion the bladder was ruptured, and probably one or two ribs broken. There was abdominal haemorrhage and evidence of severe crushing, but he did not think he had been run over.

William Lambert, Cpl at the pit, explain it was deceased duty to take corves down a steep “board,” when it was necessary to put in lockers. Whilst coming down the border pony jib, and in restarting deceased push the corves back, and in doing so the lockers were released. The lad and pony were pushed forward by the weight of the corves, and in trying to save the pony was pushed down and sustained serious internal injury. The pony was jammed against the door at the bottom, and had to be shot.

Ernest William Tabor corroborated.

A verdict of “accidental death” was returned.