SHOCKING DISASTER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5732, 30 October 1905, Page 5

SHOCKING DISASTER.

EXPLOSION IN A COLLIERY. TERRIBLE SCENE AT STANFORD MERTHYR .MINE. A GREAT UPHEAVAL. MANY PERSONS KILLED A,ND WOUNDED. (Received October 30, 1.13 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 2D. A disastrous explosion occurred today at the Stanford Merthyr mine, West Maitland. The explosion was preceded by fire. Tito lire broke out in No. 2 tunnel. It was discovered by an enginoman, who, owing to yesterday being pay Saturday, was the only one in the mine at tho time. Tho outbreak had a good bold before it was noticed. Tho engincinan gave an immediate alarm, and helpers flocked in from all parts of the district. Attempts to block tho burning tunnel failed, and flames were soon belching fifty feet high in the air. It was then decided to seal tho mine. While this was progressing a fearful explosion, like a heavy charge of shraps nol, shook houses half a mile away, and scattered wreckage in all directions. Tiiis included an immense air-fan, weighing over a thousand tons, which was blown to pieces.

Those engaged in the scaling operations received tho full force of tho explosion, and wero buried in tho debris. It was a terrible scene. Tho groans and cries or tho wounded mingled with the din caused by tho debris. It was some time bcloro the smoko and dust cleared away, and rescuers got 'to and removed the dead and wounded.

Aloantimo doctors had been summoned, and plenty of medical aid was available. Tno list of those killed and wounded, so far ns is known, is as follows: KILLED. H. jidams, director of tho Stanford colliery. John Evans snd James Greener, deputies. David Jones and John Jones, shiftmen. WOUNDED. O. K. Young, chairman of directors. H. M. Williams, manager. William Williams, under-manager. G. Leitch, G. Fawins, and Wat Jones, deputies. Colin McKenzie and H. Thomas, manager of tho East Greta colliery. A largo number of those injured are in a serious condition. Tho largo proportion of managers and deputies amongst tho killed is accounted for by tho fact of tho management of neighbouring coiTicries coming to render assistance. The firo was discovered early this morning. There wore several minor explosions before the big one, which occurred just before noon. Rescuo operations wero delayed by tho dense volume of smoke pouring from the mine. Telegrams received late to-night state that the fire is still raging fiercely. A large force of men is attempting to check the flames. It is proposed to flood the mine by turning a creek into it.