New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
WARD
Forename
Henry
Day
28
Month
10
Year
1912
Age
31
Occupation
Filler
Mine/Quarry Name
Binley
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Merry & Cunninghame Ltd
Location
Binley
County
Warwickshire
Details of Event
A heading, rising at an inclination of 68 degrees, was being driven in advance of a longwall face, and had reached a distance of 15 feet 5 inches. A stallman had charged a shot-hole at the face of the heading with 1lb. of compressed powder. His powder-can, which contained 4lbs. of compressed powder, and, it was thought some frictional igniters, was placed on the floor near to the face, and a candle was stuck on a prop somewhere above it. He stated at the inquest that after ramming the shot he slipped, and his foot touched the powdercan, which rolled down the heading. Another witness, however, stated that he had been informed by deceased that on taking the charge out of the powder box the stallman neglected to close the lid, that tile candle fell into it, and to save himself he kicked it away. Apparently, either due to this or to the impact firing the igniters, the powder exploded on reaching the bottom where deceased was standing, and burned him severely on the face and arms. He succumbed to his injuries on 6th November.