The Bunkers Hill explosion was caused by firing a gunpowder shot in an
"upcast thirling". Even though it was a safety lamp mine the shot was fired
by opening a lamp to light a fuse. Mines Inspector Wynne described this as a
"farce".The shot ignited gas and probably propagated as a coal dust
explosion, many of the 43 bodies were unrecognisable; one was identified
because he used a green necktie as a garter. 100 men and boys had been
working in the Eight Feet Banbury seam, so at least the majority escaped. In
the local press the mine management was criticised for poor ventilation
(although the ability of the fan to quickly restore the airflow was praised)
and for carrying the injured home in "lumbering coal carts", although this
may have been tempered because the manager's son was amongst those killed.
Further criticism centred on allowing the public to see the bodies,
supposedly exhibited at the Swan Inn for identification, and Wynne continued
his campaign against the use of gunpowder. The explosion left 22 widows and
46 orphaned children.
Hope this is helpful, Barry Job.
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