Maltby pit tragedy 'human error' - firm

THE EMPLOYERS of a man who died at Maltby Colliery have said he fell 30ft while working at the bottom of a mine shaft.

Jackie Fisher (52), was pronounced dead after emergency crews and a specialist mines and rescue team were called to the pit in Maltby at around 5pm on Monday.

Early reports said another man was injured but a spokesman for mine owners Hargreaves Services said the only other person involved was a witness to the accident who was treated for shock.

He also added: “Mr Fisher was discovered by a colleague at around 5pm on Monday December 7 underground in the pit shaft.

“The Health & Safety Executive will file a report of the incident in due course; however, at this time it appears the most likely cause of this tragic accident is human error.

“The circumstances of the incident are such that we want to protect the family's feelings at this time.” 

Gerry Huitson, Hargreaves Services production division managing director, paid tribute to Mr Fisher: “On behalf of everyone at Maltby I want to convey our sincere condolences to his family at this very difficult time for them.”