OAKLEY SLATE MINE. Blaenau Ffestiniog 16th. February, 1888.

The Oakeley Company had taken over the mine seven weeks before the accident and the bridge had been inspected and it was reported as being safe. The accident took place in a slate mine when five men lost their lives when a bridge gave way. The bridge had a span of 41 feet and as constructed of wooden beams of pitch-pine which was supported in the middle by a cross beam of yellow pine which was hung from the roof on the underground chamber by iron rods. It was intended for a working load of 3 tons and the men had been told not to take more than one loaded wagon across.

On the day of the accident four loaded wagons, each pushed by two men and all starting from the same place were being taken out of the level. The first wagon, for some reason that was not clear, stopped just after crossing the bridge and caused a block. The second wagon was brought up close to the bridge. The third wagon was allowed forward and then the fourth. Under this load of about 9 tons, the cross beam gave way and the two main beams broke, sending the wagons and five of the six men to the floor sixty feet below.

All the victims were trammers.

  • Richard Edwards aged 48 years,
  • David Davies aged 29 years,
  • Evan Jones aged 26 years,
  • William Lloyd aged 19 years,
  • Owen Parry aged 31 years.

At the inquest into the inquiry, the Inspector said that he did not think that the men with the No.2 wagon failed in their duty by not calling “Halt”, so stopping the No.3 wagon. The survivor, who belonged to the No.2 wagon said he called, “Halt” when the No.4 wagon was coming onto the bridge but then it was too late.

The inspector carefully examined the timbers of the bridge and found that they were in good condition but the yellow cross beam was a little decayed an he thought that this was the case of the accident and thought that the bridge builders were unwise in choosing yellow pine for the cross beam but the greatest blame lay with the men for over loading the bridge. The Coroner said that there should be stricter supervision and there was a prosecution following the inquest.

 

REFERENCES
The Mines Inspector Report, 1888.

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

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