FIRE FIGHTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 42, 20 October 1913, Page 5

FIRE FIGHTING.

SENGHENYDD DISASTER.

SPLENDID HEROISM.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] London, October 19. Tile heroism shown at Senghenydd was of the finest description. Mr dent Edwards, a member of the House of Commons, who visited the lighters, says: “We crept on hands and knees over smouldering debris, iu terribly oppressive heat, with the roof crumbling and falling, and found men pegging away in twentyir.inuto turns, and pouring water on the flames. They stooped or lay on the smouldering heaps through which fumes were arising. The heat was sufficient to burn the clothes - and boots of the rescuers, and every moment they were in danger of being crushed by the falling roof, while the gradually-gathering gases' threatened another explosion. Still they worked on with glorious pluck. Nine out u. ten were overcome by gas, and as they recovered returned to the fighting line. Their efforts have been fruitful, and it was hoped to be able to explore the distant workings on Saturday. Three bodies have been recovered in a stable behind the fall.”

The explorers, on reaching the stable at Senghenydd. were met with a sudden outburst of smoke, which caused them to retreat to the shaft, three-quarters of a mile distant. It was then discovered that the outburst was due to the temporary cessation ol efforts to extinguish the fire, while additional water-pipes were being installed. Four decomposed bodie; were removed to-day. OVERTAKEN BY FATE. [By Electric Telegraph—copyright' Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables (Received 8 a.m.) London, October 19. One of tbpse entombed at Senghenydd was a steward on the Yolturno before. On going below, he remarked: “Wasn’t I lucky not to he aboard.” THE RELIEF FUNDS. (ReceivecTlO.4o a.m.) London, petober 19. Messages of sympathy in the hunt disaster were received from Xew Zealand ami -Ballarat. {• Tile Mansion .House fund bus reaclijed £4OOO, .and the Mayor of .Cardiff’.'; ■fund Coobu. THE RESCUERS AT WORK. (Received 10.40 a.m.) London, October ID. Exploring parties in the Senghenydd pine have made good progress. They have-blocked’up the lire on one side, and are hopeful that they will soon block the other. It is now possible to use the fire brigades. The smoke has abated, and the temperature is cooler.