Roseheyworth Explosion 1876

Daily News 19th December 1876

Tragedy struck the South Wales (Roseheyworth side) Colliery as reported in the; TERRIBLE COLLIERY EXPLOSION IN MONMOUTHSHIRE LOSS OF FIFTEEN LIVES

Between eight and nine o’clock this morning one of those shocking colliery explosions, which are unfortunately at this time of year too frequent, occurred at Abertillery, Monmouthshire. The scene of the accident was an extensive colliery belonging to the South Wales Colliery Company, and up to the present it has been worked most successfully and without accident. A large number of colliers are employed in the pit, and at the time of the accident, there were about 80 engaged in those portions of the workings to which the terrible calamity was confined.

When it became known that there had been an explosion, there was the greatest consternation on the pit bank, and as may be imagined, the excitement spread with wonderful rapidity through the neighbouring villages, until within an hour after the shocking event, the pit was besieged by hundreds of persons.

As is usually the case, the most harrowing scenes were to be witnessed by wives, mothers, children and other relatives of those who were known to be below, shrieking in a heartrending manner. Greatly exaggerated reports were also circulated as to the terrible consequences of the explosion, some giving the number killed at above 100.

The explosion was, however, found to have been attended with great loss of life. With the foresight and promptitude which do not forsake the collier in the hour of danger, when it may be that hundreds of his fellow workers are in peril, searching parties were formed, and as soon as possible attempts were made to enter the workings where the explosion had taken place. This first could not be done on account of the after-damp, but at the earliest moment the brave explorers went about their difficult and dangerous task, and in a comparatively short time fifteen dead bodies were brought to the bank, besides about a dozen other poor fellows who had been burnt in a shocking manner, but were still alive. Several of these latter have been so seriously burnt that it is thought that they cannot survive. There were, fortunately, two shafts in connection with the workings, and the imperilled colliers had a means of escape without approaching very near to where the explosion had taken place. Had it not been for this means of escape competent authorities assert that the loss of life must have been very great, as there were at the time a large number of colliers in the pit.

As the bodies were brought to the surface the anxious relatives flocked to the pit’s mouth, wailing and displaying the greatest anxiety to know the fate of those most dear to them. The bodies were all recognised, and so also were the yet living persons who were burnt. The latter was attended by several medical gentlemen who had been summoned to the pit and were, as soon as circumstances permitted, conveyed to their homes, which were but a short distance from the pit.

The Western Mail of the 3rd January 1877 reported on:

ABERTILLERY – CONCERT – A concert was given at the Castle Inn for the benefit of the widows and children of the poor fellows who met their death in the late explosion. Messrs. W. P. Evans and Jas. Gunter carried out the arrangements most satisfactorily. The performers gave their services gratuitously. There was a large and respectable audience, and a good sum was realised.