An awful accident occurred at the Sons of Gwalia mine, when two men were killed and eight others seriously injured. Whilst the 8 o’clock shift were getting on, ten men got into a skip at the surface to proceed below when suddenly the skip descended with great velocity, the engine having got out of control. The driver of the skip and another unfortunate occupant were dashed to the bottom — a distance of over 2,000 feet. The cable parted from the drum of the winder when the full length had run out and went to the bottom, failing on top of the skip and men.
Frank Roonev an assistant surveyor, was killed outright. Philip Adams, the mine surveyor, was terribly injured, and died a few hours later. Harold Sharp was injured internally, and is in a critical condition. The other occupants of the skip were four Italians, and all four of them were rendered unconscious. The third victim to succumb was Luigi BACANALLI
LEONORA LINES Sun (Kalgoorlie, WA : 1898 – 1919), Sunday 12 November 1911, page 6
The final act in the skip tragedy of last May was enacted last week, when, Raimondo Bonfanti, the fourth victim, crossed the Great Divide. After lying for five months in the local hospital with no possible chance of recovery the unfortunate Italian passed away. It is unpleasant to recall painful memories, but just think of the cost of the ten men who were in the bolting skip, four have gone to another world, two have resumed work, and the remaining four can be seen at Gwalia crippled up for the remainder of their days, unable to follow their employment, burdens to themselves and friends, with very little if any. assistance from the industry they have helped to develop and keep going.
The other accident victims were:-
Ben REGOLINI – Broken thigh and damage to brain
Robert GURONI – Injuries to back, broken jaw
A POZZI – Contusions to back and head injuries.
Peter TOGOLINI – Injuries to back and head. Was on the surface as was struck by wire rope.
Joe SALIGARI – Injuries to face.
Harold SHARP – Chest injuries
Jack BONFANTI – Fractured thigh and abdominal injuries.
All those who were killed or injured were married men.
