10^th December 1946

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Cumberland Pit Explosion

Little Hope For Missing Men

From our correspondent

Whitehaven, Dec. 9

There appears to be little hope for any of 15 men missing since an explosion at Lowca Colliery, near Whitehaven, at 8.30 this morning. The explosion occurred in the main band seam and the blast was felt throughout the pit. Two hundred men were working underground at the time, but only 39 were in the immediate neighbourhood. Late to-night five bodies had been located.

Rescue teams went underground almost immediately. With them went Mr. T. Stephenson, secretary of the Cumberland Miners' Association, Mr. F. Graham, the colliery manager, Mr. T. J. Hughes, general manager of the United Steel Companies' collieries, and Mr. R. Townsley, the mayor of Workington, who is an official of the mining company and an expert timberman.

Injured Men Brought Up

The first casualty to be brought to the surface was John Mullen. Of Harrington, who was suffering from severe burns and shock and was immediately removed to Whitehaven Hospital. Three other men, Joseph Little, John Richardson, and Tom Barton, all came to the surface suffering from shock but were able to go home.

Shortly after 3 p.m. the first rescue team came to the surface for a rest and reported that there had been heavy falls in the main galleries, that the ventilation apparatus had been put out of order, the pumping gear had been affected, and that rescuers breathing through respirators were working up to their knees in water. The main haulage had been put out of action and the galleries were full of dirt. It was felt that it would be some time before the rescue apparatus could be got to the workings where the 15 men were entombed.

One man, Harry Bird, should have been working in the pit with his two brothers, Tom and John, but felt unwell this morning and did not go to work. His two brother are among the missing. A colliery canteen employee, Mrs. Margaret Wilson, is carrying on with her work waiting anxiously for news of her father, William Hoodless, who is among the missing.

Official Statements

An official statement was issued as follows :—

As a result of what appears to have been an ignition of fire-damp in the No. 2 district of the main band seam at Lowca Colliery at 8.30 a.m. to-day 15 men are missing. Rescue operations are in progress. The cause of the accident has not yet been ascertained. The rescue parties are being hampered by falls.

At 10.15 p.m. another official statement said :— Rescue work is making good progress. Five bodies have been located and the remainder of the men should be located within a further 200 yards.