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Wigan Album

Mining

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Mains Colliery, Bamfurlong 14th Dec 1892
Mains Colliery, Bamfurlong 14th Dec 1892
Photo: nobby
Views: 2,563
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.

Comment by: DB on 30th January 2017 at 20:17

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?

Comment by: William Woodcock on 31st January 2022 at 18:27

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

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