Wallsend Pit Explosion

Two Colliery Officials Charged

At Wallsend, yesterday, Charles Nelson, agent, of the Wallsend and Hebburn Coal Company, and Edward Nutley, manager of the Edward Pit, Wallsend, Northumberland, were charged, on four dates, with failing to inspect part of the mine in which workmen had to pass, with failing to make a full and accurate report of inspection, with failing to keep a report of the inspection, and with failing to keep a report at the mine. Nutley was also charged on four counts with failing to assign their proper duties to officials.

Mr. Frank Lambert, prosecuting on behalf of the Director of Public prosecutions, said the proceedings were the outcome of the explosion at the Edward Pit on August 9 last, when five men were killed and several injured. The prosecution alleged that neglect on the part of the manager was a contributory cause to the explosion. No inspection, it was alleged, was made in the district before the men entered at midnight on August 8. The explosion occurred at 7 a.m., as disclosed at the inquest. Gas would have been detected if an examination had been made. The Mines Department took a serious view of breaches of the Act in view of explosions, and had circulated all collieries strictly to comply with the regulations, especially on Sundays, when few men were working.

The magistrates reserved their decision until Monday.