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Full Details

Surname
WILLIAMS
Forename
George
Day
11
Month
12
Year
1908
Age
54
Occupation
Assistant Timberman
Mine/Quarry Name
Blaenavon, Big Pit
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Blaenavon Iron & Steel Co. Ltd
Location
Blaenavon
County
Monmouthshire
Details of Event
Explosion of firedamp at naked lights (used throughout the mine), in a rise cross measure drift from the Old Coal to the Meadow Vein, which was commenced about 130 yards from the bottom of the Big Pit. It had only been stopped the evening before, having passed through the Yard Vein. Brankley and Jones had worked in the drift the day before, and on their way out at the end of their (night) shift about 3.15am went up to fetch some tools which had been left there. They had naked lights as usual, and passed the fence at the mouth of the drift, contrary to the Special Rules. They were found suffocated or poisoned by CO and slightly burned, about 60 yards up the drift and 20 or 30 from the face. The third man Williams was found dead with his head fractured, near the stables about 100 yards from the Pit or 30 from the bottom of the drift. 3 killed.