Explosion In a Mine.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3592, 31 October 1905, Page 2

Explosion In a Mine.

SEVERAL KILLED AND MANY INJURED.

A disastrous explosion occurred at the Stanford-Merthyr mine, in the Maitland district.

The explosion was preceded by a fire which broke out in No. 2 tunnel. It was discovered by an enginetnan, who, owing to the day being pay Saturday, was the only one in the mine at the time. The outbreak had a good hold before he noticed it. He gave an immediate alarm, and helpers flocked in from all parts of the show. Attempts to block the burning tunnel failed, and the flames were soon belching fifty feet high in the air.

It was then decided to seal the mine, but while the work was progressing a fearful explosion, like a heavy charge of shrapnel, shook the houses hajf a mile away and scattered wreckage in all directions. This wreckage included an immense air-fan weighing over a thousand tons, which was blown to pieces. Those engaged in the sealing operations received the full force of the explosion, and were buried in the debris. The scene was a terrible one. The groans and cries of the wounded mingled with the din of the fire.

It was some time before the smoke and dust cleared away, and then as soon as they were the rescuers got and removed the dead and wounded. Meantime doctors had been summoned and plenty of medical aid was available.

A list of those killed, so far as known, is as follows:—H. Adams, director of the Stanford colliery ; John Evans, Jamps Greener, deputy-managers, David Jones and John Jones, shiftmen. Wounded—O. K. Young, Chairman.of Directors; H. M. Williams, under manager; William Williams, undermanager ; G. I.eitch, J. Eawins, Wat Jones, deputies; Colin McKenzie and H. Thomas’ manager of the East Greta colliery. Telegrams state that the fire is still raging fiercely. A large force .is attempting to check it, and it is proposed to flood the mine by turning a creek into it.

Several of those injured are in a serious condition. A large proportion of managers and deputies arc amongst the killed, which is accounted for by the fact that the management of the neighbouring collieries came to give assistance. The fire was discovered early this morning. There were several minor explosions before the big one which occurred just before noon.

The rescue operations were delayed by the dense foliage of smoke pouring from the mine.

A TRAGIC END. The cause of the explosion in a mystery. The ventilating tunnel and fan were completely destroyed and a large hole made in the surtace. Mr Adams, the director of the mine, died tragically. He had just finished saying, “ Thank God no lives are lost,” when he was killed by the explosion. Four hundred employees are idle.