LLANTWIT. Pontypridd, Glamorganshire. 19th. May, 1849.

The colliery was the property of Mr. Thomas Powell. On the morning of the disaster, eighteen men stepped into the carriage which was a water balance. They were warned of overcrowding but did not listen. The winding went well for a while but then the heavy carriage overpowered the brake and crashed 96 yards into the sump. A massive chain, 146 yards long followed them down. Seven lives were lost.

The lives lost were:

  • William Jenkins aged 46 years, single,
  • John Jones aged 46 years, married,
  • Thomas Rees aged 50 years,
  • Joseph Rees aged 10 years, son of Thomas,
  • Samuel Rogers aged 21 years, single,
  • John Williams aged 21, single. and
  • John Williams aged 16 years, single.

Also in the carriage were:

  • David Hopkins,
  • William Jenkins,
  • Jenkin Jenkins,
  • John Jones,
  • Morgan Rees, son of Thomas,
  • Thomas Richards,
  • Zachariah Williams,
  • Two men named David Williams,
  • William Willams and one not named.

The inquest was held at the Bush Inn and evidence was given by Thomas John, engineer and William Hassakuk, the surveyor of the mine. A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.

 

REFERENCES
“And they worked us to death” Vol.1. Ben Fieldhouse and Jackie Dunn. Gwent Family History Society.

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

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