NATAL EXPLOSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 October 1926, Page 5

NATAL EXPLOSION

WORST IN SOUTH AFRICAN MINING CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT HEAVY DEATH ROLL (By Eleotrii Telegraph.—Copyright.) 'Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) CAPETOWN. 11th Oct. The Natal colliery explosion is the worst in the history of South African mining. The flames shot up hundreds of feet. There is no hope for the entombed men. Surprisingly little damage was done (o the mine and work in other shafts was not interrupted The cause is not ascertained, but Iho theory is tluit an electrician working in the mine accidentally dropped a live wire across a tube or rail, thus causing a spark and igniting tl*e coal dust.

One rescued native lived long enough to confirm the theory that the explosion was due to an accidental short circuit. An electrician stumbled over a cable and fell on a rail. According to the native there was a tiny spark and then a shattering explosion, killing the electrician outright and knocking his assistant senseless. The falls of rock imprisoned Iho whole of the night shift ami no doubt' the miners were clinked by car lion dioxide.

Heartbreaking scenes were witnessed at the. entrance to the mine all'yesterday, natives digging a trench 120 yards by G feet wide to bury the dead. So far 6-1 natives have been buried.