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Full Details

Surname
SOMERVILLE
Forename
James
Day
05
Month
10
Year
1913
Age
20
Occupation
Miner
Mine/Quarry Name
Dysart, Frances Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries Ltd
Location
Dysart
County
Fifeshire
Details of Event
Explosion killed 3. These men were working in all area where safety lamps only were allowed. They were told by the fireman that the heading next to their level had gas in it, and was marked dangerous, and they were not to go into it. They gave lip some matches and cigarettes to the fireman at the lamp station. They must have gone to the place where the gas was and began to work at once, and shortly after commenced to smoke with the result that a large body of firedamp was exploded which burned them very severely. Cigarettes and matches were found in the place after the accident as well as the electric lamps they were working with. Some matches and cigarettes were found concealed in a cap lying at the face. The coal in the heading was more easily worked than that in the level. The fireman had contented himself with writing a notice as he could not easily find a fence for the road. 3 killed.