Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	16th May 1883
Colliery:	Walker
Cause:	Explosion of boiler
Lives Lost:	2

No. 24 in the list caused the deaths of two men, but one of them not being a workman his name does not appear in the list. The exploded boiler was one of a range of five; cylindrical, with semicircular ends. It was fitted as required by the Act and was 30 feet 6 inches in length by 6 feet 6 inches diameter; longitudinally plated and single-riveted. Pressure of steam ranging from 24 to 26 lbs. per square inch, but had been used some years since as a high pressure boiler. From the most reliable information which could be obtained the age of the boiler was over forty years. The whole of it, and particularly at the ruptured edges, was so corroded and pitted internally that no other conclusion could be arrived at than that it was utterly unfit o use, and very unfit to sustain any pressure whatever.

After the explosion strenuous exertions were made to get the colliery to work again with the remaining boilers, which were also very old and really worn out, but on strongly representing the matter to the owners, I am glad to say they agreed to allow the pit to be idle until new boilers could be substituted.

Source:

1883 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4078)

	Cane, Patrick, aged 60, Screener, explosion of boiler
	1 of 2 names found

 

 Return    Return to Top