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	Individual Details		Individual Details

Age:	35
Died:	13th May 1875
Accident:	13th May 1875
Year Born:	abt. 1840
Colliery:	Cramlington, Dudley Pit
Company:	Lamb, Potter, and Scott
Occupation:	Shifter
Notes:	explosion of gas in Low Main Seam
Buried:	[not known]
Category:

Explosions of Firedamp.

An explosion of gas occurred in the Dudley Pit Cramlington Colliery on 13th May, causing the deaths of two workmen. An old gateway, the innermost holing of which had been blocked up by a fall, thus impeding the ventilation, was being prepared for a "stow board." Tram plates had been put in (but not laid in position) by a deputy who should have carefully examined the whole length of the place, he only examined, however, the distance it was intended to "lay" the tramway, which he found to be clear of gas. He then sent two men, deceased, who were using candles or naked lights to lay the way, and went himself to the outer end of the place where a shot was being prepared. When the shot was ready he called to deceased, asking them if they were coming out or going to remain where they were, where it appeared they would have been quite safe from any effects of the shot. Instead of doing either they went further into the place, and ignited a small accumulation of gas, and received injuries which caused their deaths. The whole of the details of this case showed want of caution, and a very imperfect knowledge of relative duties and responsibilities on the part of all concerned. Moreover, in my inquiries I found that special rules had not been established, although the Dudley Pit is one of a very large establishment consisting of six important collieries. A new manager had, however, just entered upon his duties after a protracted illness of his predecessor, and there was some reason also for thinking that the late Mr. Southern, my predecessor, had not seen it desirable to sanction, so far as he was concerned, the establishment of rules which it was stated had been submitted to him by the late manager.

These explosions would not have taken place, had locked safety lamps been in the hands of the workmen. It is no doubt true that the ventilation in each case was inadequate, and that there was in the first and third cases disobedience of rules and verbal orders, but it is none the less true, and may be repeated, the explosions would not have taken place if safety lamps had been in use.

• 1875 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1499), Newcastle-on-Tyne District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 251 Where to find this report
• 1875 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1499), Newcastle-on-Tyne District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 252, Accident Number: 22 Where to find this report

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