A heading, rising at an inclination of 68°, was being driven in advance of a longwall face, and had reached a distance of 15 feet 5 inches. A stallman had charged a shot-hole at the face of the heading with 1 lb. of compressed powder. His powder-can, which contained 4 lbs. of compressed powder, and, it was thought, some frictional igniters, was placed on the floor near to the face, and a candle was stuck on a prop somewhere above it. He stated at the inquest that after ramming the shot he slipped, and his foot touched the powder-can, which rolled down the heading. Another witness, however, stated that he had been informed by deceased that on taking the charge out of the powder box the stallman neglected to close the lid, that the candle fell into it, and to save himself he kicked it away. Apparently, either due to this or to the impact firing the igniters, the powder exploded on reaching the bottom where deceased was standing, and burned him severely on the face and arms. He succumbed to his injuries on 6th November