WALLSEND. Gateshead, Northumberland. 21st. August, 1786.
An explosion took place in the afternoon when most of the men and boys had left the pit but still underground were the back overman, one hewer and four trappers all of which were killed. Another little boy, who was a trapper was taken out alive but died of his injuries soon after. The explosion occurred when the overman was drawing props when there was a fall of the roof which released gas which ignited at an open light. In consequence of the accident, no props were withdrawn when the pits were working.
Atkinson records an explosion taking place at the colliery on the 9th April 1786 with the loss of six lives which could be the same incident.
REFERENCES
Annals of Coal Mining. Galloway, Vol.1, p.293.
Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.
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