Quarry death inquest is reopened

Amber Worth was struck on the head by a large rock

An inquest has resumed into the death of a teenage girl who was crushed to death in a South Yorkshire quarry.

Thirteen-year-old Amber Worth was struck on the head by a large rock when she fell into the quarry in Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, last April.

An engineering expert had said the state of the fencing failed to meet regulations to deter trespassers.

The inquest has reopened at Sheffield Crown Court after a month-long adjournment to allow further inquiries.

The inquest heard last month that thieves stole boundary fencing as quickly as it was replaced.

Engineering expert John Carlon had said the state of the boundary failed to meet regulations in terms of deterring trespassers.

Chartered mining engineer Mr Carlon had told Sheffield Coroner's Court he believed a traditional stock-proof fence of wire mesh topped with barbed wire would have been enough to meet the Quarry Regulations.

The court heard how Amber, from Brierley, near Barnsley, and five friends had headed into the quarry by sliding down steps cut into the face.

The site had been a haunt for local children for many years, the jury was told.

Amber had been in the area for about 15 to 20 minutes when the three-foot (0.91m) wide, half-tonne block of sandstone fell on her. She died instantly.

The hearing continues.