Miner Listed as Missing Was Safe Home in Bed

One of the men whose name was included in the list of the entombed miners is safe and sound. He was not in the pit but sleeping at home when he was listed as missing. He is Matthew Hood, aged 56, a shifter, of Ayre Street.

The first news that he received that he was reported as being among the men unaccounted for was at half past eight this morning when a neighbour, Mrs. Henry, called at his home to offer her condolences to his wife.

A newspaper showing his name as being among the missing was taken up to Mr. Hood, who was in bed. He immediately dressed and went to the colliery office and reported to Mr. F. W. Fry, the Area General Manager.

Hood was in the pit at the time of the explosion. He was white washing near the West Engine House about a quarter of an hour's walk from the place where the explosion occurred.

Greetings Exchanged.

"I exchanged greetings with the men who are now entombed as they went into work. I was just about to finish my shift when the explosion happened. I was blown off my feet and covered with a thick coat of dust.

"For a time I was badly shaken but along with men in other districts made my way to the shaft bottom and rode to the surface and handed in my lamp."