Mining Disaster in Wales

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 38, 15 October 1913, Page 5

Mining Disaster in Wales

Result of Terrific Espiosieu

Hundreds of ien Still Entombed with little

Hope of Rescue.

One of the biggest mining ealastrophies that have ever occurred in Wales is recorded from Senghcnytd, Cardiff, whereby 700 miners ware entombed as the result cf an explosion at seven o’clock yesterday morning. The rescuers discovered a number of terribly mutilated bodies and also found and rescued 327 where the ventilation was still good. Heartrending scones were witnessed at the pit mouth. The fire is s ill burning in parts cf tho mine, and there is little hope of rescue. The King and Queen sent a sympathetic message.

MACHINERY AT THE PSTMGUTH DESTROYED. MAN’S HEAD OLOWN OFF. [United Press 'Association.] rßy Electric Telegravh—Coi'yiuoit/ (Received 9/0 a,.an.) London, October 14. An explosion occurred in the Universal Colliery at Genghenydd,’ Cardiff T!ie machinery at the pit-mouth was destroyed. A man standing twenty yards away had his head blown oil'. Seven hundred were entombed. Later news states that 327 we re rescued, and several bodies were recovered.

ATTEMPTS AT RESCUE,

CLOCKED EY POISONOUS FUMES

AND FURTHER FALLS 3F COAL.

(Received 9.1-5 a.m.)

London. October 14

The explosion shook the neighborhood and was heard* a.f long distance away.- It occurred at seven o’clock in t le morning shortly; after the daysin fj had (descended. - ■

l ies'ue brigades, doctor s, and policern ..n huiTyei' to the scene.

A party,!With Kclwavd Shaw, the manager, , descended adjcijii/g share, hut Was unable ip gpt. near the vicinity off the cxpl rion owing to the deadly fumes and many heavy falls that had occurred.

The Resucers Dis jvsred a Number of

Terribly Mutilated Bodies

Heart-rending scones were witnessed at the nith.ad, especially ame ig the women and child reft/ when iticia'a explained that no and that,„ the position wouldn’t oo worse. Other rescue parties descended, later, and found hundreds hudd cd together where the ventilation vas still good, and conducted th m to too bottom of the shaft, where the machinery is repaired, and unwound so expeditiously that 327 of those entombed reached the surface by eleven o’clock. 511 Are Now Accounted For, The lire is raging in the west, pit.'

There are 1000 spectators on the mountains watching the scenes, Ths 1901 Explcsicn. Another explosion occurred in the Universal colliery in 1901 by which eighty-one were killed. 418 STILL MISSING. THE KING’S CONDOLENCES. “Appalled at tlie Terrible Disaster.” (Received 9.45 a.m.) London, October 14. Four hundred and eighty-nine have rescued, but 418 are still cut olj by fire in the west side of the pit. There is little chance* of rescuing them until the lire is extinguished. The King telegraphed:— “The Queen and I are appalled at the terrible disaster. We are more shocked through having visited the district in 1912. We trust the loss will not ho so great as at first anticipated. Deeply sympathise with the bereaved. Will he grateful foi particulars regarding the injured.’ MEN AND MACHINERY BLOWN TO PIECES. THE WORK OF RESCUE, (Received 12.30 p.m.) London, October 14. Two hankmen were blown to piece? hv the explosion, and a bird was killed. The machinery was smashed L atoms, the cage being sent sky-high. The full horror of the catastrophe was only realised ■ at noon when fire fiiroke out.

An urgent demand was made fo: extinguishers from all parts of the district. Cardiff Post Office ■' sen fifty by special train.

TJis Work of Rescue is being Ccn

ducted without Panic.

The men quietly left the pit ii batches of eighteen. Many were no' 1 aware what was happening near brothers were rescued after pitiable sufferings from burns, shock, ant afterdamp. The first man rescued was so ex cited and delighted that ho was un able to give a coherent account.

The fire was raging at 8 o’clock. Tin rescuers arc continuing their heroit efforts.