§ Mr. Ritson(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give a report as to the mine explosion which has unfortunately occurred at Murton Colliery, County Durham.
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)I am very sorry to have to inform the House that an explosion occurred in the small hours of yesterday morning in the five-quarter seam at Murton Colliery, Durham, whereby four men died. The site of the explosion was a wide heading, a mile and a half from the pit bottom. At the time of the explosion three of the four men killed, including a deputy, were in the heading and all were found to have been badly burned. The fourth man had apparently entered the heading after the explosion and was overcome by afterdamp. He was still alive when found by the rescue party but their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Investigation into the cause of the explosion is proceeding.
The House will wish to join with me in extending our deep sympathy to the relatives and friends of the victims of the explosion.