I am researching an accident that my late father had whilst exploring mine workings in 1971/72. He was on a ladder that came loose from the collar and he gripped the ladder as it fell.
As I understand it he rode the ladder some 40feet and then it jammed up and broke, absorbing some of his impact. He apparently came to on a ledge and others that were with him called mine rescue.
He survived the fall although he had some bad tears in his legs from the broken ladder and broke most of his ribs.

He could remeber being strapped into the stretcher and spinning around on the rope whilst he was being hoisted out of the shaft, in a lot of pain!

I can remember him telling me the story, and a recent conversation that I had with a family friend has sparked a bit of renewed interest for me.

She could not remember the name of the shaft or mine but she pretty much described the area of Nangiles, and when I suggested the name she said yes thats it I think, but I can't be sure.

Apparently he was interviewed by someone who was writhing a book about people who have survived mine shaft falls, has anyone heard of such a book?

Also, is there a record of mine rescues or does anyone have any recollection of this accident?

The curious element in this story is the dateline. Nangiles engine shaft was open and fitted with a cage and winder at the time.
The manway led to the shaft where there was a landing and a ladder leading down to a platform (station platt) on the firast lavel at approximately 30 feet below. The ladder and the depth both tally closely with your story, however, the manway was always gated and locked and the ladderway was part of the emergency egress for Wheal Jane miner engaged in work in this area. There was a direct route down to 2 level and beyond from the stopes off Nangiles shaft station. The key to the gate was kept in a box 20 yards before the exit gate.
The ladderway and escape way was maintained in good condition well into the 80's so I'm a little puzzled as to how he could have got in.
Possibly Bread and Cheese shaft? Maybe?

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Thankyou Roy, I cannot identify the exact date this happened, I think that it may actually have been in 1974 a bit later than I originally thought.

He was CSM and had been to Germany hard rock mining for a year prior to this accident, he may have had access or information to gain any access.

Because this happend quite a while ago and I am reliant on peoples memories so far it is difficult to say if the area I think it happened is correct.

He was a local miner, I am waiting to find out which mines he worked in and and aproximate dates. I can remember him working at Tolgus, that was the last mine related work he did.

Unless it's the footway next to Bread and Cheese Shaft (with concrete collar and metal plate). This had an assortment of ladders in it (both metal and wood).