THE WHITEHAVEN DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 148, 1 October 1910, Page 5

THE WHITEHAVEN DISASTER

'FIFTY-TWO iBODIES FOUND. DREADFUL DETAILS. By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright. Received October I, 1.10 a.m. London, September 30. Of fifty-two bodies recovered at the Whitehaven mine, fifty were found yesterday, wlhereof twenty-five were lying together. There are indications that the men died peacefully. Eacli man's lamp was between Jiis knees, and all the water bottles were full. They evidently came from the sixth level to nearly opposite the junction of No. 5 with the main road, and there met tihe smoke ami afterdamp. Twelve other bodies were found at No. 6, and thirteen at the main dip. One had a scarf over the mouth. As the lamps were numbered, identification was possible. Chalked' messages imply that they were alive twelve hours after the explosion. There was no fall of material at the entrance to No. 5, and it is assumed, from the quantity of coal in the tubs, that 25 worked for two hours after the explosion, and were suffocated in endeavouring to escape. Satisfaction was expressed at the full water bottles, which were untouched, and it is certain the men were overcome long before the intake pit was stopped on the evening of the 12th.