BEESTON MAIN. Leeds, Yorkshire, 17th. May, 1847.

It was reported that nine lives were lost in an explosion. It was thought to have been caused by some men breaking into old workings that contained gas which came into contact with their naked lights. Six were killed on the spot and four were taken, badly injured to Leeds Infirmary where three of them died.

Those who died were:

  • Joseph Longstaff aged 55 years.
  • George Oddy aged 29 years.
  • Aaron Bell aged 20 years.
  • George Bell aged 15 years.
  • William Westerman aged 12 years.
  • Charles Duck aged 14 years.
  • John Hall aged 10 years.

 

REFERENCES
Annals of Coal Mining. Galloway. Vol.2, p.64.
Mining Journal. Vol. xvii, p.233.
Lodge’s Almanack, 1915.
The Third Report, 153. p.177.

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

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