At 9-50a.m. on Thursday, March 22nd, 1962, an explosion ripped through the No. 2 Union Seam at the colliery, killing 19 miners and injuring 22.
Miners who were working other shifts returned to the pit to help medical staff with the rescue bid, and the injured were rushed to Victoria Hospital as families waited anxiously to hear news of their loved ones.
A public inquiry into the tragedy later found that the explosion was largely caused by firedamp, an explosive mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane and, to a lesser extent, coal dust.
But the investigation failed to discover the source of the firedamp or how it was ignited.
As reported in Tuesday March 18th 2008 Burnley Express.
Thought it was a day for quiet rememberance, I remember it so well.
Stephanie.
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