FATAL EXPLOSION
COAL MINERS TRAPPED HEAVY DEATH-ROLL FEARED DISASTER IN CUMBERLAND Rec. 10 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 16. As a result of 9. big explosion, 121 miners were trapped in the William pit of Whitehaven colliery in Cumberland. Three hours after the explosion, no word or message had been received from the trapped men. Ten were later known to be safe. William pit extended seven miles under Solway Firth, but after the 1944 explosion, when 10 miners were killed, a section was sealed off and working was concentrated nearer the shaft. Some of the men injured by blast wdte brought to the surface. Gas and heavy falls of the roof hindered rescue parties trying to reach the trapped men. Rescue teams were rushed to William pit from all neighbouring mines, and they worked in relays. * ' Harry Allen, one of 10 saved, was found unconscious. He was on the shaft side ■of the explosion and was blown clear, unhurt, but badly shocked and remembers nothing of what happened. His two sons and a brother-in-lav/ are among those trapped.
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 26542, 18 August 1947, Page 5
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176FATAL EXPLOSION Otago Daily Times, Issue 26542, 18 August 1947, Page 5
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