FIRE IN MINE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 August 1924, Page 9

FIRE IN MINE

TWO MEN CUT OFF. NO HOPE OF RESCUE. *Y CABL1 —PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT Received Aug.. 11, 10.35 a.m. MELBOURNE, Aug. 11. A fire has broken out in one of the tunnels 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, were despatched from Melbourne last night by motorcar. The only hope for the entombed men appears to be that they are equipped with gas helmets, hut so serious are the reports of the outbreak that this is regarded as a slender chance. The fire was caused through a fall of stone, which cut through the electric wires. A short- circuit resulted, and this fired the woodwork, and the ignition of the coal, seam followed. J. Johnston, underground manager, and IV. Parry, underground foreman, were proceeding along the tunnel ahead of the larger party when an explosion occurred between them and those behind. The tunnel was immediately filled wijth 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 nar. rov> ly escaped later. Although fitted wirii masks and life-saving appliances they were partially overcome by the poisonous gases and compelled to return to the surface. Two were taken to hospital. The latest information indicates that flooding operations are in progress and 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 idle*ness by the fire.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.