Single Record

Full Details

Surname

SNEDDON

Forename

Charles

Day

26

Month

09

Year

1919

Age

19

Occupation

Mine/Quarry Name

Bridgeness, No.2 Pit

Mineral Worked

Coal

Owner

Bridgeness Coal Co. Ltd

Location

Grangepans

County

Linlithgowshire

Details of Event

26 September 1919: Explosion Near Bo'ness – Two Miners Killed and Six Severely Injured - A serious explosion occurred yesterday morning in No.2 Pit, Grangepans, belonging to the Bridgeness Company (Ltd.), resulting in the death of two miners' drawers and severe burning injuries and bruises to other six men employed in the same section. The two men who lost their lives were:- John Patrick Hamilton (26), unmarried, residing at Ann Terrace; and Charles Sneddon (19), unmarried, 43a Ann Terrace , Bridgeness. The names of the injured and the nature of their injuries are:- Walter Nisbet (32), married, a miner, residing at Forth Place, Bo'ness - severe burns to hands, arms , and body; George Hawthorn, (25), unmarried, miner, Reid Crescent, Grangepans - extensive burns to head, face, neck, both arms; shoulders, and back; James Sneddon (60), miner, Learmonth's Building Grangepans – shock; Robert Sneddon (28) - son of the aforementioned James Sneddon - unmarried, drawer, Learmonth's Buildings - hands burned and shock; James Stanners (40) married, miner, Etna Cottage , Bridgeness - shock and gassed; Peter Hamilton (34), miner, 8 Mayfield Terrace – shock and burns to hands, arms, and shoulder. The explosion occurred at 7.15am in what is known as the "Moosie's Dook," in the main coal section. The working place had been previously examined, and was reported clear of gas. There were twelve men in the section, and they had just started work at the coal face when a violent explosion occurred. John Hamilton and Charles Sneddon, who were taking up empty hutches toward the coal face, got, the full force of the explosion. Hamilton was found pinned to the ground by a hutch. His skull was fractured, and death was almost instantaneous. Charles Sneddon was severely burned; his skull was fractured, and he was picked up unconscious. Several men were bruised by being thrown against the building. The explosion attracted to the scene men from the other sections, so that there was no lack of helpers, but the work of rescue was rendered difficult on account of the after-damp, but all the men were ultimately got out. A large crowd gathered at the pithead, great anxiety and distress prevailing as the injured were brought to the surface. After treatment at the pithead, Sneddon, whose condition was critical, was sent along with Nisbet and Hawthorn to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Sneddon died on the way. The other men injured were taken to their homes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. No.2 Pit, one of the oldest in the locality, was resunk to the smithy coal seam, some fourteen or fifteen years ago, and the coal is worked chiefly towards the sea. About 200 men are employed in the pit and they have been thrown idle by the accident. Fears were entertained that the main coal section was on fire, and the rescue brigade was mobilised with all speed, and they proceeded to investigate matters, headed by the manager and the undermanager The party delayed donning their respirators , and in the course of the inspection James Pender, captain of the Fire brigade, collapsed. Mr Menzies, manager, was also affected by the poisonous fumes. Dr Fischer descended the pit to make inquiries and assist if necessary. After treatment those affected were brought to the surface, the others being left to continue the investigation. They made no discovery calculated to throw any light on the cause of the explosion, but the theory is advanced that it may have been due to a defective safety lamp. The workings in the main coal section were found damaged, and it will be several days before work in this part is resumed. [Scotsman 27 September 1919] The Pit Explosion At Bo'ness - Another Death - Bo'ness, Thursday - Walter Nisbet, one of the Bridgeness Company's miners, who was severely burned in the recent explosion at the coal face of No.2 pit, Grange, died in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, this morning, from the effects of his injuries. He was aged 32, and his widow resides at Forth Place, Bo'ness. This makes the fourth death. [Evening Times 2 October 1919] NB George Hawthorne died 27 September 1919 in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.