Henry W. Eckley, Sr., 61, coal miner, died as the result of attempting to rescue Anthony Woznicki, 46, coal miner, from a cave-in in a mine, Shaft, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1951. While Woznicki was trimming rock obstructions from the working face of an entry eight feet wide and nine feet high, a cave-in occurred near the ceiling. A large lump of coal struck Woznicki and fractured his back. In great pain, he stumbled three feet from the working face. Eckley stepped quickly six feet to Woznicki and took hold of him. Aided by Eckley, Woznicki moved a short distance and dropped to the ground, his head within six feet of the working face. Fearing his injuries might become aggravated, Woznicki implored Eckley to obtain a stretcher before attempting to move him farther. Small lumps of coal dropped at intervals. Although aware that another cave-in might be imminent, Eckley stepped to opposite the working face, bent over Woznicki, and prepared to take hold of him to try to move him to a place of safety. A large quantity of debris fell from near the ceiling and partially buried Eckley, who sustained severe internal injuries and a broken leg. Eckley and Woznicki were removed from the entry by other miners and were taken to the surface. Woznicki was disabled six months. Eckley succumbed to injuries three days later. 42277-3741
42277 – 3741
42277-3741