FIRE IN MINE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18149, 12 August 1924, Page 9

FIRE IN MINE.

TWO MEN LOST. FALL OF ROCK FUSES ELECTRIC WIRES, (ST CI3LX—FBBSS ASSOCIATION COmUOHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND S.Z. CAB LA ASSOCUTIO*.) MELBOUKNE, August 11. A fire has broken out in the Mcßride tunnel of the Wonthaggi mines, and two miners cut off by the fire are still entombed. In response to an urgent appeal, a party of fire-fighters, equipped with rescue apparatus, was despatched from Miijourne last night by motor-car. Tho only hope for the entombed men appeared to be that they are equipped •with gas helmets, but so serious were the reports of the outbreak that this even was regarded as a slender chance. The fire was caused by a fall of stone which cut through electric wires, and a short circuit resulted. This fired the woodwork, and the ignition of the coal seam followed. J. Johnston, underground manager, and W. Parry, underground foreman, were proceeding along the tunnel ahead of a larger party when the explosion occurred between them and those behind. The tunnel was immediately filled with smoke and gas. The rear party had to make a hasty retreat, but returned later in an attempt to break through to Parry and Johnston, but were unsuccessful. Another party narrowly escaped later. Although fitted with masks and lifesaving appliances, they were partly overcome by the poisonous gases, and were compelled to return to the surface. Two were taken to hospitaL The latest information indicates that flooding operations are in progress, and that rescue work has been abandoned. The mouth of the mine is being sealed, and there can be no hope for Parry and Johnston now. Between 600 and 800 men have been reduced to idleness by the fire.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. MINE TO BE IDLE SEVERAL WEEKS. (AUSTRALIAN AHB CABLE ASSOCUTIOH.) (Received August 11th, 9.45 p.m.) MELBOURNE, August 11. The damage at Wonthaggi is estimated at £20,000. The mine will be inoperative for several weeks and noting can be done to recover the bodies of Parry and Johnston until the pit lias been flooded and emptied. FIFTY TRAPPED. EXPLOSION IN JAPANESE MINE. (BBTJTEB'S TBXJEfiBiMS.) TOKYO, August .10. Fifty miners were trapped in leiyami coal mine, Fukushima province, whei a gas erplosition occurred. It is fearet all are dead. Nine bodies have been recovered. HEAVY DEATH-ROLL. (aauTKS'S WtEOBAMSj (Received August 15th, 1.5 a.m.) TOKYO, August 11. Fifty-six bodies have been recover® from the mine. The dead are now estimated to tota The mine ia undamaged.