Family of tragic miner praise rescue services

The family of a Scottish miner who died when a roof collapsed in a pit, have paid tribute to the rescuers who tried to save him.

Gerry Gibson, 49, died at Kellingley Colliery, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday after he was trapped in a rock fall.

Another miner, Mr Gibson’s friend Phil Sheldon, was rescued during a major emergency operation and suffered minor injuries

In a statement released through the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Mr Gibson’s wife Brenda and sons Sean and Andrew said: “We would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in attempts to rescue Gerry – all work colleagues; Kellingley rescue team; the air ambulance team and all other medics who were on site.

“Their tireless efforts were not in vain, resulting in the successful rescue of the other trapped miner, Phil Sheldon, and everyone involved should take pride and comfort from that outcome.

“That’s what Gerry would have wanted.”

Mr Gibson was originally from Shotts in North Lanarkshire.

Mr Sheldon was rescued by his colleagues after he was trapped by his leg in the incident 800 metres underground.

Nicky Wilson, president of the Scottish NUM and the union’s national vice-president, said: “Gerry was typical of so many miners who learned their trade in Scotland but when the colliery closed had to move elsewhere to earn their living.

“His death affects all his former colleagues and friends here in Scotland who express their heartfelt sympathy.”