Warren Vale Colliery Disaster
The Verdict
The Coroner and Jury assembled at The Star Inn, Rawmarsh, and proceeded to view the bodies of 2 further victims. This making the number of dead, 52.
Timothy Tinsley junior, aged 19 died on the Wednesday night and George Sindley of Upper Haugh aged 23, died on Thursday.
Evidence Taken
The following evidence was taken:
William Gascoyne of Greasbrough, miner at Earl Fitzwilliams colliery at Swallow Wood, said:
'I was sent for on the morning of the explosion to assist in getting bodies out of the pit. As soon as I got there Mr. Goodison ordered me and Joseph Cawthorne to conduct the air to the far end of the levels. We did so and helped to find 13 bodies. I brought up the pit shaft in my arms no less than 37 bodies. There were in bad condition. I was there 18 hours without a rest.'
Mr. Sellars, colliery manager was recalled and stated that the area of coal got at the pit was 2 acres 2 roods and 15 perches, and the quantity in measure was 32,566 tons of coal and slack.
Mr. Badger, the Coroner, then proposed to read the whole of the evidence to the Jury.
At half past one, the room was cleared for the Jury to deliberate upon their verdict.
Jury Returns
The Jury returned at half past four with the following verdict:
We find that 52 men and boys were accidently killed by an explosion of fire damp in the Warren Vale Colliery, in the Parish of Rawmarsh, in the occupation of Messrs. Charlesworth.
The verdict was accompanied by the following remarks:
- They expressed their strong disapprobation of the loose manner in which the works appear to have been conducted at the pit.
- They further regard the instructions hitherto given to the men quite inadequate to the proper supervision and safe working of it.
- It is desirable that their should be some stringent rules and regulations at every colliery for the better and safer working of the coal mines, and the proprietor ought to be held by the legislature responsible for the efficiency of their agents and superintendents.
- They expressed their thanks to Mr. Morton, the government inspector, Mr. Biram and other witnesses for their valuable evidence.
