Disaster at the Brunner Mine.

Manawatu Herald, 28 March 1896, Page 2

Disaster at the Brunner Mine.

♦ A terrible disaster occurred in the Brunner mine on Thursday morning i at 9.50 o'clock, when an explosion caused by fire-damp occurred, bring ing down hundreds of tons of earth, with the result that fully 60 men were entombed. The first intimation of the calamity to those in the neighbourhood was given by the explosion at the mouth of the mine. Mr Bishop, manager, and Mr Smith, engineer, at once ran to the spot, and were followed by a large body of miners of the disengaged shift. The men rushing into the mine came upon Patrick McDonald, a road man, 60 years of age, and Baxter, jun., a truck man, about 100 yds from the entrance. These two were at once lifted out, but immediately expired. Further on the rescuers found the body of John Parsons, 22 years of age, who was in charge of the dynamo used in the hauling of the earth. Mr Bishop specially distinguished himself in his efforts to save life, and was at length brought out in an unconscious state, seriously ill, and had to be taken to his home, but he is now recovering. Mr Smith, was also brought out unconscious, and he also is getting better. As the work of rescue proceeded, the dead body of David Hall was found, much charred, and hardly recognisable. Mr Scott, manager of the Blackball Mine, was brought here by special train, and superintended the rescuing party, which also comprised a body of Blackball miners, who started to work in half-hour shifcs. Later on the body of Henry Julian was discovered. The engine was driven at top speed, to try and drive the air into the mine. The rescuers are working heroically, many being brought out in a distressed condition, some carried put nearly exhausted,

The doctors have their hands full attending to them. The ground now going through ifif terribly torn and difficult, while the foul air is again getting bad. Mr Scott, of the Blackball Mine, has been pulled out twice, bat immediately returns working and directing. The Premier arrived by sjpecial train from Hokitika and headed a relief party down the mine. rAbout 50 men have been buried.^' with 200 depending on them, who are wholly unprovided for. On his arrival at Grey, the Premier held a consultation with the Mayors of B runner, Hokitika and Greymouth, and it was decided to open a relief fund. One of the miners interviewed says that it will be impossible to get at the entombed men within another 24 hours. The mine was examined as usual and seemed safe.