Durham Colliery Explosion

Eight Men Killed

At least eight men are believed to have been killed in an explosion, at Murton Colliery, County Durham, late last night. Several bodies were brought to the surface early to-day. Rescue work is still being carried on.

Colliery and miners' officials who went down the mine gave first news of the casualties by telephone from below ground.

Rescue brigades went to the colliery from the neighbouring areas of Houghton-le-Spring, Crook, and Elswick. Mr. W. O. Blenkinsop, colliery manager, and other officials of the miners' lodge and the Durham Miners' Association, were accompanied down the mine by many ambulance men.

Murton Colliery, which is owned by the South Hetton Coal Company, Limited, employs 2,104 men underground and 681 on the surface, according to the Colliery Year Book.