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	Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	28th July 1896
Colliery:	Lily Drift
Company:	James Joicey and Co., Ltd.
Cause:	Explosion of gunpowder
Lives Lost:	1
Category:

The second fatality occurred at the Lilly Drift, Rowlands Gill, on the 28th July, to a stoneman, named Robert Pearson, and was caused by gross carelessness in handling the bobbin powder he was about to use. It appeared that he had taken 1½ pounds of powder down the pit with him in his powder canister, but for some reason had taken it out and placed it in his cap. He and his marrow then drilled a hole, and deceased went back for the powder, which immediately after exploded. In reply to a question deceased said that he put the candle on the bottom and laid the squib on the edge of the canch, and that the squib rolled down on to the lighted candle, flushed, and set off the powder.

Of the two non-fatal accidents with gelignite, one at Dunston Colliery, on January 8th, might have been attended with very serious results, had not the roadways in the vicinity of the place been thoroughly wet. The accident was one which would never have occurred but for the improper use of the explosive. A large stone lying at the face which had been dislodged in the previous shift had to be broken up, and the two injured men were sent to do the work. Instead of drilling a hole as usual, they scraped away the dust and loose coal from under it, pushed in the gelignite and replaced the dust. They then retired to a distance of 15 yards, and fired the shot by means of a battery, when the place was immediately filled with flame, which, however, did not extend far owing to the wet condition of the surroundings. The men said that they had examined the place for gas and found it clear, but their action with regard to the shot-firing makes one feel a little sceptical.

Whether gas was present or not, there could be no doubt from the appearance of the place that dust had played an important part in the results, for the props, coal sides, and brattice cloth, were covered with a thick layer of coke.

Source:

1896 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8450), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 11 Where to find this report

	Pearson, Robert (jnr), aged 23, Stoneman, Explosion of gunpowder [Inspection made & inquest attended]
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