20 FEBRUARY 1909, Page 3

A terrible colliery disaster took place on Tuesday afternoon at

3.30 at the West Stanley Pit, Durham. At the time whoa the explosions occurred the whole of the back-shift men, numbering one hundred and eighty-five, were in the pit, which contains four seams and runs to a depth of a hundred and twenty fathoms. Between the two explosions a mass of flame rose from the pit, both of the shafts were so extensively damaged that all communication was cut off, and five hours elapsed before the spare shaft was repaired half-way down to the top seam. Thirty-five men and boys were rescued on Wednesday, two of whom have since died, and by Friday one hundred and eight bodies had been recovered and brought above ground ; but it is practically certain that no more of those who were in the mine when the explosions occurred will be got out alive, and the death-roll stands at a hundred and fifty-two. The men who escaped after being imprisoned for sixteen hours owed much to the courage and good advice of one of their number named Henderson, and the utmost heroism has been displayed by those who took part in the rescue work, the volunteers including two Labour Members, and managers, under-managers, and experts from neighbouring collieries.