DISCIPLINE BLAMED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 14, 16 July 1937, Page 9

DISCIPLINE BLAMED

MINE DISASTER

CHIEF INSPECTOR'S REPORT

(Received July 16, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 15. A brick which was so placed as to hold open doors which were hindering cleaners was declared to be one of the preliminary causes of the explosion at the Wharncliffe colliery, near Sheffield, in August last year, by the Chief Inspector of Mines, Sir Henry Walker. In a report, he criticised the discipline on the night shift, instancing the propping open of the ventilation doors. "These acts of indiscipline," he states, "reflect upon the management." He expresses the opinion that the effect of the explosion was extended because of dampness causing limestone dust to bind.

The explosion resulted in the death of 58 miners. A terrific fire followed the explosion. Rescuers who worked heroically to reach the trapped men were hampered by repeated falls of rock and by gas. Despite their proximity to the fire, the rescuers had to be wrapped in blankets because of the cold air sweeping through the shafts. The sole survivor, who was found three-quarters of a mile from the scene of the explosion, died with his story of the disaster untold.