Miners Overtaken by Gas.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 45, 19 January 1912, Page 12

Miners Overtaken by Gas.

4. STRUCCLE FOR LIFE IN DARKNESS. A fatality by which two men— James Williams, an elilorly man. and Thomas Guy. aged 3(J years—lost their lives occurred in the Alay Queen mine, Thames, on January LI. JJr-ing warned that gas was accumulating in tin; level the deceased, .with five other miners, descended the ladder-way and reached the level in safety. das was present in groat volumes, and soon one candle after another wont out, until a solitary candle hold by a minor .named Adams remained ignited. Soon this went out, and in the dark a deadly struggle ensued to reach the chamber above, where fresh air flowed. Several foil in the journey, but all reached safety except Guy, Williams, and Crowley. Assistance was secured, and the sufferers, who were all in a state of collapse, were sent to the .surface. Upon a Fenreh being made for the other throe men, Crowley and Guy wfiro found. Both were taken to the surface, Guy dying soon afterwards. It was very evident that AViUianis had missed bis nay in the darkness, for Tie was found lying in a tunnel leading to the machine. He had also received serious injuries to the head, and -was dead when brought to the surface.