New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
STEWART
Forename
William
Day
10
Month
05
Year
1930
Age
57
Occupation
Oncost Man
Mine/Quarry Name
Bothwell Castle, Nos 3 & 4 Pits
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
William Baird & Co. Ltd
Location
Blantyre
County
Lanarkshire
Details of Event
10 May 1930: Blasting Accident - One Killed and One Injured in Scots Colliery - On Saturday morning the Priory Colliery, Blantyre, which belongs to Messrs William Baird & Co. (Ltd.), was the scene of a blasting accident which resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to another, although when the first reports of the accident got about the death-roll was stated to have been more alarming The man killed was William Stewart, aged 57 years, who resided with his wife at 51 Small Crescent, Blantyre. Richard M'Lean (31), married, who resided at 2 Rosendale Terrace, Blantyre, was injured. Saturday was not a working day with the miners, but a large squad of oncost men were engaged in making a new roadway underground, and this necessitated blasting away a lot of rock and stone. A long hole had been drilled and a charge of explosives placed therein, when, from some cause not yet clearly determined, the charge went off prematurely, and the two men received the full force of the blast in their faces, and both received shocking injuries. Stewart was instantaneously killed, while M'Lean suffered from terrible facial and body injuries. Medical aid was quickly secured, and after his injuries were temporarily dressed M'Lean was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. There is a probability that he may lose one or both eyes. Mr Stewart, the dead man, was a highly respected citizen of Blantyre, and was a prominent and active member of the Plymouth Brethren. His only son, Dr Adam Stewart carries on an extensive medical practice in Blantyre. [Scotsman 12 May 1930]