Heworth Colliery Explosion – Heworth – 1826

HEWORTH. Heworth, Durham. 5th. September, 1826.

An explosion took place in the Hutton Sean at a depth of 164 feet as a result of which five persons lost their lives. The cause was given as open lights. There were about sixty men in the pit at the time and two men and a boy were killed outright and several others badly burnt.

An early report of the disaster appeared in the local press:

About half-past 6 o’clock on Tuesday morning last an explosion of firedamp took place at Heworth Colliery near Gateshead which proved fatal to 3 persons,  Joseph Hunter, of Wrekenton, pitman and John Scott, the master wasteman, (who have both left families) and a boy. Several others were scorched and bruised, and some had limbs fractured by the shock which dashed to pieces the stoppings, brattices, and props, and brought down the roof in several places. Hunter was not burnt but died from the effects of the choak-damp before he was got out of the pit. Mr Scott was much scorched and it is supposed that the ignition took place as he was examining some leaky water pipes. A boy named Tulip was burnt and had a thigh broken. The last two men who came to bank were working in a distant part of the mine and were unhurt and even unconscious of the accident having happened. There were about 60 persons down at the time of the blast.

The inquest held on 6th instant on the body of John Scott. It appeared there was no suspicion of anything wrong. The pit was well ventilated and in a very good state. Verdict: Accidental death.

REFERENCES
Annals of Coal Mining. Galloway, Vol.1, p.497.
Sykes’ Local Records.

Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.