DOBSON EXPLOSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 January 1934, Page 7

DOBSON EXPLOSION

LOCATED IN EAST LEVEL. The explosion which took place in the Dobson mine, yesterday afternJTon', *vas located in the east level, and did not spread beyond that section of the mine. The condition ot Walter Dando, deputy, and James Purton, pumpman, who were in the mine at the time, and were suffering from shock, is satisfactory. Had the mine been working, about 25 men would have been employed in the east level, and the consequences of the explosion would have been more serious. Coal dust would have been present in greater quantity, and the explosion would probably have spread to the remainder of the mine.. The fan doors were slightly affected by the explosion, but were soon placed in order, and a party consisting of the Inspector of Mines (Mr C. J. Strongman), Messrs E. Hill (underviewer), A. Cowan, J. Ford and J. Wilson (deputies) entered the mine. They inspected the east level, but could not penetrate to the place where the explosion originated, owing to the ’prevalence of gas. Mr Strongman reported that numerous heavy falls of stone were found, and the explosion had blown out the stopings, releasing foul air. The ventilation would have to be thoroughly restored, before the scene of the explosion could be reached.

While the cause of the explosion cannot definitely be stated, it is'suggested that it might, have been caused by sparks from a fall of stone, or by spontaneous combustion.

Mr C. Hunter, the mine manager, is expected to return to Dobson this evening, and the question of re-open-ing the mine will then be considered.