Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan
Album Contents
Album Contents
Wigan Album
Mining
2 Comments
Mains Colliery, Bamfurlong 14th Dec 1892
Photo: nobby
Photo: nobby
Views: 2,641
Item #: 14484
Item #: 14484
From a print London Illustrated News. Mains Colliery was sunk in the late 1840s, owned by Cross Tetley and Co Ltd from 1866-1934 and by Wigan Coal Corporation from 1934 to 1947. Closed in 1960. Underground fire in Dec 1892 in which 16 men and boys were killed, hence the interest of the Illustrated News.
I cant find any mention of a fire or anyone being killed at Mains in 1892. Can you tell me where you got this info nobby?
Accidents & Disasters
On 14th January 1892 a fire in the engine house caused smoke to enter the workings. Many miners managed to escape through the air doors into the clean return airway, but 16 failed to do so and suffocated. The fire was caused by an accident with a paraffin lamp; the lad in charge of the engine was ill that day and a 13 & 15 year old were sent to take his place.
From Northern Mine Research Society
Leave a comment?