Explosion at Blaenhirwaun Colliery, Carmarthenshire Report

Abstract

In accordance with the instructions given by your predecessor under the terms of Section 82 of the Coal Mines Act. 1911, I beg to submit my report on the causes of, and circumstances attending, the explosion which occurred on the "Q" face in the Lower Pumpquart seam at Blaenhirwaun colliery, Carmarthenshire, on 6th September, 1955, when four persons were killed and 13 others injured. One of the injured died in hospital on the 18th and another on the 30th September, 1955, bringing the death roll to six. On 23rd November. 1955, Mr. W. Lock Smith, H.M. Coroner for the Three Commotts District of the County of Carmarthen, sitting with a jury, concluded the holding of an Inquest on the bodies of the six deceased persons and recorded a verdict to the effect that all six had died from injuries accidentally received in a coal gas explosion, the cause of which had yet to be ascertained.