EXPLOSION IN A MINE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9171, 20 August 1908, Page 5

EXPLOSION IN A MINE.

SEVENTY-SIX MINERS ENTOMBED. ALL HOPE OF RESCUE ABANDONED. Received August 19, 11.40 p.m. LONDON, August 19. A mining accident causing tserious loss of life is reported from Arbam, near Wigan, in Lancashire. An explosion occurred in the No. 1 Maypole Colliery, entombing 7(i miners. The force of the explosion destroyed the ventilating shaft and cage, blowing timber and gear in all directions, some portions being hurled a distance of two hundred feet. Clouds of smoke are issuing from the &haft, ana there are indications that the caal in the mine is on fire. There is great danger of the en tombed miners being suffocated. A rescue party meanwhile descended the Wigan Junction Colliery half a mile distant, which communicates with the No 2. Maypole and penetrated several hundred yards towards the wrecked workings. Approaching ths latter the air was almost unbearable. Progress was impeded owing to the debris. Several dead punies and then three dead miners were found. One of the latter was terribly mutilated and unrecognisable. The explorer* were unable to speak with certainty as to the condition of the mine as regards after-damp, although five members of the pany suffered therefrom. It was announced at 3 o'clock this morning that all hope of rescuing the miners had been abandoned.