COLLIERY DISASTER.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14404, 11 July 1912, Page 7

COLLIERY DISASTER.

EXPLOSION IN A YORKSHIRE PITTERRIBLE LOSS OF LIFE. RESCUE PARTIES ENTOMBED. United Pr W s Aseoci alien—By Electric | Telegraph—Copyright. ! LONDON, July 9* I A terrible colliery disaster has occurred in the Cadcby pit, Couisbrough, Yorkshire. Five hundred men were down in the mine, thirty-five being in isolated workings, where an cxp'o.sicn occurred. It is believed all the latter are dead. About a hundred others were absent, owing to festivities in connection withj the visit of the King. The reports of tho explosion wero heard two miles otvay. Thero was a rush of miners' wives to the nit-head, and rescuers descended under .Mr Pickering, a Government inspector. Many returned exhausted, but fresh volunteers were forthcoming. Bodies wero found in a shrinking posture, with their arms covering their eyes. . Most of tlio bodies were -shrivelled by the heat. One was blown to atoms. Threo further Explosions occurred at mid-day, and the roofs falling in cut ofl 84 rescuers Tho worbt is feared. The bodies of Mr Pickering and Mr Chambers (manager of. the pit) havo been recovered. Tho King sent a message, saying he was shocked, particularly after tho scenes of rejoicing at Consbrough, on the occasion of his visit. - Later, Sevonty-four men arc dead, including forty-five rescuers. Sisty-nino bodies have been recovered, including thoso of Messrs Hewitt and Tickle, inspectors, of Sheffield and Doncaster respectively. (Received July 10th. 10.20 p.m.) LONDON. July 10. Many bodies recovered are unrecognisable. The second explosion killed thirty-three persons. The management is emphatic that tho disaster was not due to shot-firing or to fault in tho electrical installation. Their Majesties visited Cndeby in the evening, and were deeply affected at hearing dotajls of the disaster. They condoled with the borcaved. When their Majesties left the people, by simply clapping their hands, showed appreciation of tho Royal sympathy. There was no cheering. RESCUING PARTY'S EXPERIENCE. (Received July llth, 12.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 10, Murgutroyd, who was with Mr Pickering's band of rescuers, narrates that they reached tho sccno of tho explosion. He was tho only wearor of a respirator, Tho air was very good, bub suddenly tho atmosphere trembled. Thero was no time to reach safety. Tho explosion came upon them with a fearful roar, and thick clouds of dust and smoke. Ho remembered seeing Pickering and Bury, one of tho managers, in tho pit, and lying apparently asleep. Ho staggered through tlio thick darkness, and realised he was lost. He enme to a great fall, and was so exhausted that ho collapsed. Ho then found a telephono and was soon rescued. Bury and Witty, a sub-manager, -were brought to tho surface, both in a critical condition.