AN INVESTIGATION was launched yesterday following the death of a miner in an underground accident in the North Yorkshire coalfield.
Anthony Poulton, who was 40 and from Sheffield, died after being struck by rock which fell from the roof of a tunnel he was helping to excavate at Stillingfleet Mine, near Selby.
The incident happened at about 6pm on Tuesday as Mr Poulton was working as part of a four-man tunnelling team half-a-mile below ground.
He suffered severe injuries after being trapped by the rock fall and was given medical attention before losing consciousness. He was pronounced dead at York District Hospital.
A spokesman for the mine's owner, UK Coal, said steel girders and rock bolts were being used to support the tunnel, which was more than three miles from the access shafts.
"It is the first fatality at a UK Coal mine for more than four years," he said.
"It is tragic and our sympathies go out to Mr Poulton's family.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article