BRYNDDU. Pyle, Glamorganshire. 23rd. December, 1853.

Brynddu Colliery was owned by G.S. Ford and Son The mine was worked by safety lamps which were not locked. Five men and boys lost their lives in the explosion. On the day of the explosion, the men had been cautioned not to work in a part of the pit where gas was known to be. The men stayed out of the area until the afternoon when John Williams went in when his naked candle came into contact with the gas and there was an explosion in which three men and a boy were burnt to death.

Those who died were:

  • William Johns, aged 27 years,
  • William Rees, aged 37 years,
  • John Williams. aged 16 years.
  • John Williams, aged 41 years,
  • Rees Williams, aged 11 years,

At the inquest into the accident at the Prince of Wales inn, the owners of the colliery were exonerated from all blame for the disaster. The men were interred the following Monday and it was reported that work stopped in the neighbourhood for the day.

 

REFERENCES
Mines Inspectors Report 1853. Mr. Herbert Mackworth.
The Cambrian.

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

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