Colliery Worker Dies In Fatal Work Accident

A police investigation has begun after a colliery worker died when he reportedly fell down a mine shaft near Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at Maltby Colliery in the early evening, at around 5pm.

A specialist mines rescue team was called, but the worker was pronounced dead at the scene. He is believed to be in his 50s and from the Doncaster area.

A police spokesman said: "Colliery management are working alongside South Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive who are conducting a joint investigation."

He added that a post mortem examination had not yet taken place and said no further information about the incident could be given.

The colliery was bought by the transport firm Hargreaves Services in 2007.

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 David Urpeth from Law Firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This was a horrific fatal accident at work.

“Sadly, falls from height remain a major cause of serious and fatal workplace accidents.

“The circumstances of this latest work accident are unclear and the subject of an investigation.”