Fireman Killed. - The next inquiry was into the death of John Duffin, fireman, 6 Midfield Terrace, Steelend, who died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 7th December from injuries received on 2nd November in Lethans Colliery. Thomas Sutherland, brusher, 31 Midfield Terrace, Steelend, said he was working with Duffin. After a hole had been bored in the face they travelled out along the cable. Duffin travelled the whole length of his cable and turned round the corner so that he was not in line with his shot. Witness heard the shot go off and Duffin came to him and said that after the shot had been fired a stone from the face had struck him on the back. The stone had come forward and turned the corner and struck him. Robert Clemenson, underground fireman, West Road, Saline, said Duffin's job was to fire shots with an electric exploder. Witness considered that it was quite sufficient compliance with the regulations to go round the corner. Sheriff Umpherston said it was rather a curious accident but thought there was no room for anything but a formal verdict. There was a suggestion that Duffin might have gone further away from the place where the shot was fired but that was a matter of discretion for the fireman. The jury agreed on a formal verdict. [Evening Telegraph 15 December 1932]

Obituary, Dunfermline Press 17th December 1932, page 16.
DUFFIN - At Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, on 7th December, John Duffin, Beloved husband of Mary Finlay, 49 Sunny Braes, Lower Steelend, Slaine, aged 58 years.
Mrs Duffin and Family desire to thank all friends and neighbours, Young Men's Club, Women's Guild, and Ladies' Burns Club for letters of sympathy and floral tributes received, also the Doctor and Staff of Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and the Rev. Adam Fox and Mrs Fox.