MYSTERY SURROUNDS COAL MINE EXPLOSION

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1947, Page 6

MYSTERY SURROUNDS COAL MINE EXPLOSION

1 ^ (Speeial Correspondent.)

LONDON, May 9. The eause of the explosion in the Barnsley main colliery, is a mystery. Members of rescue parties, after examining the scene of the explosion," said the air was quite fresh and that oxygen apparatus was not required. There was less than a ton of dirt at the coalface. Survivors all agree that the flash w,as noiseless. It was preceded by Tushln'g winlanil followed by clouds of - 'choking dust. One man who was saved -because he was standing in a slight recess, said his helmet was blown from his head and small picees of flying gravel embedded in his -face. Other men working some distance away were blown several yards by the rush of air. All survivors and members of tho rescue teams agree that everyone in che pit acted- with calmness and discipline. There was no panic. Harry Storey, one of the hineTnen killed, was not feeling well before he went on shift but decided to earry on because of the demands for increased c-oal production. He leaves a wife and ehild. Another man who wTas killed was to transfer this week to another colliery. Five years ago 19 men were killed and 30 injured in the same pit when an explosion oecuired as the. men w,ere sealiug up an affected area after a iire.