COALMINE TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20673, 19 September 1930, Page 12

COALMINE TRAGEDY.

INKDSII OF GAS.

THE LOSS OF TWO LIVES. MANAGER AND COMPANION. GALLANT RESCUE EFFORTS. ONE MAN IN HOSPITAL, [nY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN. Thursday. The Bruce Railway and Coal Company'* coal mine at Waronui, South Olago, was (be scene of a tragic accident to-day when two men lost (heir lives. They were:— James Carruthers, aged about 40, mine manager, a married man with three children. Joseph Morris, miner, married. Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Morris had resumed work after the lunch hour at driving a new air shaft into the mine workings, the former air shaft having been blocked by a fall of earth. The new shaft had been completed for slightly more than 30ft., at which point there wore two sharp dips to the roof of the mine. On knocking off the planking of the mine roof there must have been a sudden rush of carbon dioxide gas, by which they were overcome. Overcome by Fumes. They signalled for assistance to two miners, Messrs. Henreich Hansen and Robert Boyd, who were working on the surface. Mr. Hansen rushed into the drive but was immediately driven back by the fumes. Mr. Boyd attempted a rescue, but was also driven back. Mr. Hansen then rushed away for assistance to another part of the mine some distance away. Mr. Robert McDonald came with a rope and, with this attached to his body, proceeded into the drive, but ho was overcome by the fumes and was pulled out by Hansen and Boyd in a semi-conscious condition. After receiving medical attention ho was removed during the afternoon to the hospital at Milton. Ho was reported tonight to be progressing favourably. Gas Masks Useless. Cas masks were procured from exservicemen in Milton, but these proved useless for rescue purposes, and nothing could be done until the arrival by motorcar of a party from the Kaitangata mine, equipped with the proper appliances. This party consisted of Messrs. William Carson, mine manager, Frederick Carson and George Duggan, inspector of mines for Otago. Mr. Duggan happened to be visiting Kaitangata when the news of the tragedy came to hand. The party arrived at Waronui at about 4 p.m. Afjer fitting on a gas helmet, Mr. William Carson entered the shaft and almost immediately discovered the bodies, which were lying about 35ffc. from the entrance. He had to make several trips, coming out for air, beforo the bodies could bo taken out. First Fatal Accident. After strenuous and heroic work under most dangerous conditions the bodies were recovered. Mr. Carruthers' body was the first to bo recovered, being brought out at about 4.45 p.m. Mr. Morris' body was recovered at 5.25 p.m. Artificial respiration was applied without avail, and the bodies were conveyed to Milton. Mr. Carruthers was a . returned soldier, having served in the Rifle Brigade and Tunnelling Corps. He had held tho position of mine manager for over 10 years. Mr. Morris had been employed at tho mine for a considerable period. This is the first fatal accident that has occurred at tho mine since it was opened over 20 years ago.