Lovers Lane Colliery

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Aldred, Richard, 15 Jun 1875, aged 48, Coal Miner, Slipping into the cage race above the sump

Barlow, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 17, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Burke, Michael, 15 Oct 1879, aged 24, Miner, Roof and coal falling from a slip [More information ...]

Crank, William, 28 Mar 1872, aged 12, Pony driver, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Day, James, 28 Mar 1872, aged 33, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Farrington, James, 28 Mar 1872, aged 12, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Farrington, Leigh, 28 Mar 1872, aged 35, Head Fireman, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Greenough, Job, 28 Mar 1872, aged 20, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Gregory, William, 28 Mar 1872, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Halliday, Joseph, 28 Mar 1872, aged 14, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Halliwell, Peter, 28 Mar 1872, aged 20, Dataller, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Hayes, Matthew, 22 May 1874, aged 35, Fireman, Roof falling as he was taking out a prop

Hilton, James, 28 Mar 1872, aged 12, Hooker on, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Hodgson, John, 28 Mar 1872, aged 38, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Holcroft, Ralph, 28 Mar 1872, aged 35, Deputy underlooker, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Howcroft, Allen, 28 Mar 1872, aged 16, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Hunt, George, 28 Mar 1872, aged 15, Pony driver, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Hunt, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 22, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Lee, John, 28 Mar 1872, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Morris, J., 11 Jun 1883, (accident: 06 Jun 1883), aged 48, Miner, Fall of coal. Died 11th

Morris, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 17, Surveyor, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Parker, Henry, 15 Oct 1879, aged 21, Miner, Roof and coal falling from a slip [More information ...]

Pemberton, Peter, 28 Mar 1872, aged 28, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Prescott, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 37, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Ridgeway, Thomas, 08 Oct 1874, (accident: 11 Jul 1874), aged 37, Tunneller, Hurt by stone falling from side. Died 8th Oct

Rothwell, James, 28 Mar 1872, aged 16, Waggoner, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Schofield, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 13, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Shaw, Robert, 28 Mar 1872, aged 32, Dataller, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Smith, John, 10 Mar 1862, aged 26, Labourer, Crushed between two coal waggons on the siding at the pit

Smith, John, 08 Sep 1875, aged 32, Coal Miner, Coal falling, as he as taking it down, 5 feet mine

Smith, Robert, 28 Mar 1872, aged 24, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Wainwright, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 20, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Walker, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 19, Collier, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Whittle, Ralph, 08 Nov 1871, aged 20, Miner, Coal falling while taking out his props, Buried: Atherton Cemetery on 11 Nov 1870

Whittle, Thomas, 28 Mar 1872, aged 19, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]

Worthington, Jacob, 28 Mar 1872, aged 13, Drawer, Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by blown-out shot, Explosion of firedamp in the Five Feet Mine. The portion of workings situated beyond a fault apparently became foul, consequent upon the space for air passage at the working faces being too small ; and the ignition was caused by a shot which blew out the stemming. The area of the intake was 50 feet ; but at the faces and crossings the whole of the air had to pass through six iron pipes, each being about 1 foot area, or a total of only 6 feet area, for an average length of 41 yards, which was insufficient for the quantity of gas that was being given off. An escape had been allowed which admitted more air into the workings, but that was stopped on the morning of the explosion. The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest found a verdict of accidental death, with a recommendation that the suggestion of the Inspector of Mines of making double roadways and cut-throughs instead of single drifts and long piping be adopted ; and also that the proprietors be requested to discontinue the use of gunpowder as much as practicable, and that all shots be fired by the fireman only [More information ...]