COLLIERY DISASTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10035, 23 December 1910, Page 1

COLLIERY DISASTER.

HOPE ABANDONED

HEROIC RESCUE WORK. United Press Association—By Electfio Telegxa,ph--Copyiight.

LONDON, December 22. The explosion wrecked the mine. There were big falls of tlfe roof, and the machinery has been destroyed. The explosion was heard five miles away. A pillar. of flame shot from the shaft. The rescuers -penetrated 200 yards and recovered ten bodies., mutilated and burned,.' at' the Arley level. Two rescuers succumbed to fumes, one i;i-try-ing .to succour his two sons. Small fires, following the explosion, bave been extinguished. The presence of after-damp destroys hope of any being alive in the mine. A fiery explosion SAvept five sections, blocking exit 3 and trapping the miners.

There were painful scenes at the pit's mouth, where a dazed crowd assembled.

The Bishop of Manchester, surrounded by weeping women and children, offered prayers. No electricity or shots were used at the mine, and it is supposed that the explosion was caused by a match or a defective lamp. The rescuers discovered forty corpses and brought them to the surface during the night. The King telegraphed his sympathy.