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All available evidence shows that firedamp was detected in the Main Drift at intervals throughout a large part of the shift and was present when an attempt was made by an unauthorised person to fire a round of shots in No. 5 Stenton. It is difficult to conclude otherwise than that the inflammable gas issued from the feeder near the point where a coal seam was last encountered in the drivage and, due to the irregularity and inadequacy of the ventilating current, reached dangerous percentages, the possibilities of the dangers arising from which were not realised.

The condition of the shotfiring cables was very unsatisfactory and, as a result, the current released from the exploder at the attempt to fire the round caused an incendive spark which ignited the firedamp.