Editorial

Pit Disaster

News so far received of the explosion at Easington Colliery is causing the gravest anxiety for the safety of some 70 men trapped in the five-quarter seam 300 feet, below the surface, where the explosion occurred early this morning. We shall have to wait perhaps some hours yet before the full consequences of the mishap are known, but meanwhile rescue operations are proceeding. Members of rescue brigades have been operating in the affected area and found conditions bad — enough to compel them to wear breathing apparatus. Experts of the National Coal Board are on the scene and we can be sure that everything possible is being done to aid and rescue the men who are trapped by the explosion and in danger from the deadly fumes.

Most of all we can be sure that there will be no lack of volunteers among their mining comrades eager to assist in rescue work. The bravery of miners in face of danger underground is traditional. All too often is it needed.

The latest information we have is that there has been a violent explosion and "every evidence that there has been a serious disaster." These are tragically ominous tidings. We can only hope and pray that the news will prove to be not so grievous as, most unwillingly, we fear it may be.