FEARFUL MINE EXPLOSION AT STANFORD MERTHYR.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12640, 30 October 1905, Page 5

FEARFUL MINE EXPLOSION AT STANFORD MERTHYR.

LONG LIST OF FATALITIES KILLED AND INJURED.

United Press Association —Copyright

Received October 30, 0.32 a.xn

SYDNEY, October 29

A disastrous explosion has occurred in the Stanford Merthyr inane, in the Maitland district. Tlie explosion was preceded 'by a fire, which broke out in No. 2 tunnel. It was discovered by an engineer, who owing to it being pay Saturday, was tihe only one in the mine at the time. The 'outbreak obtained a good hold 'before it was noticed. He gave mi immediate alarm, and helpers flocked in from all parts of the district. Attempts to block the 'burning tunnel failed, flam&s soon belching up fifty feet high in the air. It was then decided to seal the mine. While this was progressing a fearful explosion, like a heavy charge of shrapnel, shook the houses half a mile away, and scattered wreckage in all directions. This included an immense air fan weighting over a thousand tons, which was 7 blown to pieces. Those engaged in the sealing operations received the full fora© of the explosion, and were bunied in the debris. Then followed a terrible 'scene, the groans and cries of the wounded mingling with the din. It was some time before the smoke and dust cleared away, and the rescuers got to arid removed the dead and wounded. In the meantime the doctors had been summoned, and there was plenty of medical aid available. The fob of those killed, so far as is known, is as follows:—H. Adams, director of the Stanford , Colliery; John Evans, James Greener, deputies; David Jones and John Jones, shiftmen; wounded, O.K. Young, chairman of directors; H. M. Williams, manager; William Williams, under manager; G. Leiteh, G. Favins, Watt, and Jones deputies; Colin McKenzie, H. Thomas, manager of the East Greta Colliery.

Received October -30, 1.15 a.m.

SYDNEY, October 29

Telegrams received to-night state that the fire is still raging fiercely. A large force are attempting to check it. It is prpposed to flood the mine by turning the creek into it.

SYDNEY, October 29

Several of those injured as in a serious condition. The large proportion of managers and deputies amongst the killed is accounted for by the fact of tho management of the neighbouring collieries coming to their assistance.

The fire was discovered early this morning. There were several minor explosions before the big one, which occurred just before noon. The rescue operation were delayed by the dense foliage and the smoke pouring from the mine.