Colliery hit by tragedy resumes coal production

Pit managers UK Coal said full production would be built up over the next seven days.

Married father of two Gerry Gibson, 49, died on Tuesday after a roof fall at the pit, where two other workers have died in the past three years. A colleague, Phil Sheldon, was also trapped but he was pulled out with only minor injuries.

Kellingley, which is on the border of North and West Yorkshire, is the largest remaining deep mine in Yorkshire.

Yesterday, UK Coal representatives were at Pontefract magistrates’ court to answer charges arising from the death of Ian Cameron, 46, in October 2009. The company and a sub-contractor, Worcester-based Joy Mining Machinery, are accused of various health and safety failures.

UK Coal is already awaiting sentencing for admitted safety failures involved in four other fatal accidents – three at Daw Mill, near Coventry, in 2006 and 2007, and one at Welbeck Colliery, near Mansfield, in November 2007.

After yesterday’s case was adjourned, a spokesman said: “In April this year, the new board of UK Coal set out its assessment of the performance of UK Coal and its plans for the recovery of this company. Top of that recovery plan was the improvement of the company’s safety record. Tuesday’s tragic accident at Kellingley is a bitter reminder of how important this work is.”

An inquest into Mr Gibson’s death will be opened on Monday at Selby Magistrates’ Court, but North Yorkshire Coroner Rob Turnbull is expected to adjourn pending conclusions from investigations by UK Coal and the Health & Safety Executive.

Mr Gibson was from Shotts, in Lanarkshire, but had lived at Sherburn in Elmet, near Selby, since 1989. He family, wife Brenda, and sons, Sean and Andrew, said yesterday he remained a proud Scotsman and supporter of Celtic FC.

“We are all truly devastated by Gerry’s sudden and tragic death,” they added. “He was regarded as a significant character in both communities and the sympathy and support we have received from both north and south of the border, are testament to that.”

They also paid tribute to the effort which successfully rescued Mr Sheldon, adding: “Everyone involved should take pride and comfort from that outcome. That’s what Gerry would have wanted.”