Lothians Accidents 1931 onwards

19 February 1931

Bo'ness Pit Fatality - Edward Downie (53), shot firer, East Castleloan, Bo'ness, died yesterday from the effects of serious injuries and shock. In the early morning he was suddenly overtaken by a fall from the coal face in Furnaceyard pit, Kinneil. Pinned by the lower limbs to the pavement, one of his legs was fractured and he failed to get over the shock, and died soon after admission to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Downie leaves a widow. [Scotsman 20 February 1931]

8 March 1931

Pit Fatality At Musselburgh - James Porteous, an oncost man, residing in Market Street, Musselburgh, was crushed to death yesterday morning by a fall of stone in the underground workings of' Woolmet Colliery, near Musselburgh. He was a married man. [Scotsman 9 March 1931]

15 June 1931

Man Killed On The Railway - While engaged in shunting operations at Whitrigg Colliery, East Whitburn, yesterday afternoon, Donald Ross (31), an unmarried goods guard, who resided at Belleville, Bridgend, Bathgate, was run over by a mineral train. He sustained severe injuries, to which he succumbed about 20 minutes after the accident occurred. [Scotsman 16 June 1931]

5 July 1931

Midlothian Miner Killed - Alexander Salkeld Brown, miner (30), residing in Store Row, Wallyford, was instantaneously killed by being crushed by a fall of stone in his working place in Carberry Colliery late on Sunday night. He leaves a wife and three young children. [Scotsman 7 July 1931]

2 September 1931

Miner Killed At Newbattle – Thomas Robertson, aged 51, residing at 50 Deanpark, Newtongrange, was yesterday killed by a fall from the roof in the Lady Victoria Pit, Newbattle. He leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 3 September 1931]

30 September 1931

Midlothian Miner Killed - Thomas Storrie (25), a miner, resident at Forth View, Wallyford near Musselburgh, was fatally injured, and died shortly afterwards, through being crushed by a fall of stone in the workings of Carberry Colliery yesterday morning. He had been married two months. His father was killed in the same place three years ago. [Scotsman 1 October 1931]

18 October 1931

Pit Contractor Killed - Struck on the head by a large stone which fell from the roof in the smithy coal section of Carriden Coal Co.'s pit, George Morgan (55) crushing contractor, was instantaneously killed. A son working close by witnessed the death of his father. Morgan only entered upon the contract in the pit on Wednesday last. [Scotsman 19 October 1931]

29 October 1931

Man Killed In Shale Mine - Yesterday morning a young man named Henry Sneddon, who resided at Kirkhill Road, Broxburn, was killed by a fall of shale from the roof while engaged in repair work in No. 35 mine, near Broxburn, belonging to Young's Oil Company. The unfortunate man had only restarted work on Wednesday after a two months' illness. He was treasurer of Broxburn West Church, secretary of Strathvrock Royal Arch Chapter, and a man highly respected in the town. He leaves a widow and one child. [Scotsman 30 October 1931]

11 November 1931

Bo'ness Miner Killed By A “Fall” - James Sneddon (23), miner, 44 Castleloan. Bo'ness, was instantaneously killed while at work in the rise main coal section of Furnaceyard Pit yesterday forenoon. Without warning a large stone weighing over a ton came away from the roof, and hitting Sneddon on the shoulders, pinned him to the pavement. Four miners working in the vicinity rushed to the rescue, and after a struggle succeeded in raising the stone, and extricating the mangled body. [Scotsman 12 November 1931]

14 January 1932

Miner Killed at Bathgate - Robert Kerr (54), miner, Paulville, Bathgate, lost his life in an accident which occurred in Euston Pit, Bathgate, belonging to Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.) He was crushed by a fall from the roof, and succumbed to his injuries shortly after being brought to the surface. He is survived by a widow and a. family of four. [Scotsman 16 January 1932]

19 January 1932

Fatality At Lothians Pit - James Magee (67) was killed yesterday afternoon at Cowden Coal Mine, near Dalkeith. He had been passing. through a trap door, along with a lad who was assisting, when he was caught by a rake of hutches. Death was instantaneous. Magee resided alone at 52 High Street, Dalkeith. [Scotsman 20 January 1932]

16 February 1932

Fatality In A Bo'ness Pit - By a fall from the roof in the Smithy Coal section in the Carriden Colliery, Bo'ness, Robert Grant (24), miner's drawer, was fatally injured. James Bow, miner, living at Crawfield, narrowly escaped being hit. The two men were developing a new working place, and were only a yard apart. Grant was pinned to the pavement by a stone weighing 6 cwts., and it took five men to extricate him. Grant lived with his parents at 76 Furnace Row, Bo'ness. His marriage was fixed to take place on March 25. [Scotsman 17 February 1932]

20 March 1932

Miner Electrocuted - While following his employment in Riddochhill Colliery, Bathgate, owned by Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.), Patrick Bonar (45), miner, 55 Durhamtown, Bathgate, was instantaneously killed through being electrocuted. Bonar it is stated, first received an electric shock while walking along No. 10 run, as the result of which he was thrown across the pans, sustaining a second shock estimated at 500 volts. Bonar was a widower, and he is survived by one daughter. [Scotsman 22 March 1932]

21 March 1932

Dalkeith Miner Killed - By a fall of material from the roof of one of the pit workings in the Cowden Pit of the Smeaton Colliery, near Dalkeith, yesterday, Francis M. Chalmers (54) was instantaneously killed. He resided at Thorburn's Buildings, Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, and is survived by his wife and a son. [Scotsman 25 March 1932]

24 March 1932

Dalkeith Miner Killed - By a fall of material from the roof of one of the pit workings in the Cowden Pit of the Smeaton Colliery, near Dalkeith, yesterday, Francis M. Chalmers (54) was instantaneously killed. He resided at Thorburn's Buildings, Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, and is survived by his wife and a son. [Scotsman 25 March 1932]

12 April 1932

West Calder Mining Fatality - A shale miner named Thomas Peden, who resided at Dedridge, Midcalder, met with an accident at No. 26 shale mine at West Calder. The platform on which he was working gave way, and he fell on a hatch, fracturing several of his ribs. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but succumbed to his injuries. [Scotsman 14 April 1932]

23 June 1932

Miner Killed At Addiewell - A miner named James Logan, who resided at 56 Loganlea, Addiewell, lost his life by an accident in Loganlea Colliery, belonging to the United Collieries (Ltd.) He was at work when a quantity of stone and debris fell from the roof upon him. Death was instantaneous. The deceased leaves a wife and six children. [Scotsman 24 June 1932]

1 July 1932

Miner Killed At West Calder - A shale miner named Charles Crichton, a married man, who resided at Oakbank Cottages, West Calder, lost his life yesterday by an accident in Westwood shale Pit at West Calder. He was at work when a quantity of material from the roof of the workings fell upon him, The other workmen rushed to his assistance, but when he was extricated life was found to be extinct. [Scotsman 2 July 1932]

19 July 1932

Broxburn Miner Killed - A fatal accident occurred in No. 3 Roman Camp Mine, Broxburn, belonging to Broxburn Oil Company, yesterday afternoon, the victim being a shale miner named Thomas Fisher (37), who resided with his sister, Mrs Robert Galloway, at Clifton Buildings, Station Road, Broxburn. Fisher was engaged working at the face, and was within a few minutes of stopping work for the day when a largo amount of shale came away from the roof upon him. When extricated life was found to be extinct, the body being badly crushed. Fisher was unmarried. [Scotsman 20 July 1932]

30 October 1932

Fatal End To Bo'ness Pit Accident - John Forrest (22), miner's drawer, of William Street, Bo'ness, died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary yesterday from the effects of head injuries received in an accident in Carriden Pit, Bo'ness, on Tuesday. Forrest was one of three young pitworkers who were knocked down by a runaway hutch in No. 1 dook, all the men of which were more or less seriously injured. [Scotsman 31 October 1932]

5 November 1932

Easthouses Pit Fatality - Thomas Smith (48), was injured by being struck by a piece of coal as he was passing along the workings of Easthouses Mine on Thursday evening, and he died during the night. He resided at Whitholm, Whitehill, near Dalkeith. [Scotsman 5 November 1932]

8 November 1932

Newcraighall Pit Fatality - Robert Ramsay (45), 14 Parkview, Newcraighall, died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary early yesterday morning as a result of injuries sustained through being struck by a runaway hutch when he was repairing a rail in the sea dock of Newcraighall Colliery the previous day. [Scotsman 9 November 1932]

23 November 1932

Newbattle Miner Killed - John Heriot (48) was killed instantaneously yesterday owing to a fall of material from the pit roof while engaged in repairing an electric signal wire in the Lingerwood Pit, Newbattle. He resided at 13 Dean Park, Newtongrange; and leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 24 November 1932]

13 December 1932

Fatality At Gilmerton Colliery - Alexander Hutchison (37), an employee of Gilmerton Colliery Co. (Ltd.), was instantaneously killed yesterday in the pit at Gilmerton. Hutchison was a well-known figure in the village and acted as organiser of various events including, a fancy dress pageant for Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He was unmarried and resided with his father in Drum Street, Gilmerton. [Scotsman 14 December 1932]

9 March 1933

Crushed Between Waggon - While crossing the railway line at Furnaceyard Pit, Bo'ness, yesterday, Barbara Ure (16), pithead worker, 92 Kinneil Road, Bo'ness, was seriously injured by being crushed between two waggons. She failed to notice workmen coupling waggons, and passed between two which closed in on her. She was removed in an unconscious condition to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 10 March 1933]

4 April 1933

Newcraighall Pit Fatality - The death occurred in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary last night, about three hours after his admission, of Colin Methven who was injured in Newcraighall Colliery. Methven was 70 years of age and resided at 17 Niddrie Cottages Portobello, was engaged in the pit when he was knocked down by a passing hutch. [Scotsman 5 April 1933]

7 April 1933

Bonnyrigg Pit Worker Killed - Alexander Strachan, jun., aged 26, mine-brusher, was killed in Polton Colliery early yesterday by the fall of a stone from the pit roof. Strachan resided at 21 Sherwood Cottages, Bonnyrigg, with his father, Alexander Strachan, who is also employed on the colliery pithead. [Scotsman 8 April 1933]

12 May 1933

Loanhead Pit Fatality - A miner named John Ross (06), fell down the pit shaft, a distance of 500 feet, in the Burghlee Colliery of the Shotts Iron and Coal Company (Ltd.), Loanhead, yesterday, and was instantaneously killed. He resided at 5 Upper Loan, Loanhead , and leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 13 May 1933]

7 June 1933

Colliery Accident At West Calder - Alexander Peden, a Bathgate miner, was seriously injured by a fall from the roof in the Loganlea Colliery, West Calder. After receiving attention at the pithead, he was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and detained. [Scotsman 8 June 1933]

18 June 1933

Fatality At Woolmet Pit – George Graham, 32, while at work in Woolmet pit of the Niddrie & Benhar Coal Co Ltd, Newton, was so seriously injured by a fall of stone from the mine roof, that he expired shortly afterwards. He resided at 14 Jewel Cottages, and leaves a widow and 4 children. [Scotsman 19 June 1933]

20 June 1933

Fatality At A Newbattle Pit -Alexander Greenhorn (55), a pit brusher, residing at 47 Fifth Street, Newtongrange, received serious injuries internally while cleaning up in Lingerwood Colliery, Newbattle, owing to a pit prop bursting out upon him. He died about an hour after the accident. Greenhorn leaves a widow and two children. [Scotsman 22 June 1933]

22 June 1933

Newbattle Pit Fatality - A pit brusher named John Thomson (36), while engaged in cleaning operations underground in Lingerwood Pit, Newbattle, received serious internal injuries, on his right hip from a stone which fell from the side of the road working. He died in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary a few hours after the occurrence. Thomson resided at Ash Cottage, Gorebridge. [Scotsman 24 June 1933]

6 August 1933

Killed By Falling Stone - A miner named James Currie, who resided at 40 Strathie Terrace, Stoneyburn, lost his life in an accident in Loganlea Colliery, West Calder. He was engaged in cutting coal when a large stone fell from the roof and crushed him. Death was instantaneous. The deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Scotsman 7 August 1933]

29 September 1933

Patrick Gillespie (26), pit brusher, while at work yesterday was killed instantaneously by a fall of material at the coal face in one of the underground workings of the Fordel Mains Colliery Company (Ltd.), Cauldhouse, near Dalkeith. Gillespie was a native of Arranmore, Donegal, and had been employed at various collieries in Midlothian during the past ten years. [Scotsman 30 September 1933]

2 December 1933

Bathgate Miner Killed – Death After Second fall From Roof - Patrick Boyle (23), miner, who resided with his parents at Paulville, Bathgate, lost his life on Saturday by being buried under two falls of coal and debris in Riddochhill Colliery, owned by Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.). When the first fall occurred a squad of men set to work, and after an hour and a half had Boyle's head and body clear. At that time he was quite conscious, and spoke to those who were attempting to rescue him. Unfortunately, a second fall took place, again burying Boyle completely, and it was soon realised that he could not be extricated alive. Another miner, M. Goldie, had a narrow escape, but succeeded in jumping clear when the second fall occurred. [Scotsman 4 December1933]

17 January 1934

Musselburgh Miner Killed - James Dillon (60), a miner, who resided at 76 Rothesay Place, Musselburgh, was crushed by a fall of stone from the roof of an underground working of Carberry Colliery, Musselburgh, and died at the pit-bottom as arrangements were being made to convey him to the surface. [Scotsman 19 January 1934]

24 March 1933

Death From Electrocution - Conflicting Evidence on West Lothian Miner's Death - Conflicting evidence was heard at a public inquiry at Linlithgow yesterday by Sheriff Robertson and a jury into the mysterious circumstances attending the death of James Brown oncost worker, 38 Murraysgate, Blackburn, in Riddochhill Colliery, Bathgate. On 24th March last Brown .was found dead in his working place. A doctor who examined the body at the surface would not certify the cause of death. The Procurator-Fiscal for West Lothian ordered a post-mortem examination of the body, and this was carried out by Dr William Anderson and his assistant, Dr Hugh Sommerville, Armadale. They both reported after the post-mortem that death was due to shock by electrocution. They came to this conclusion by finding several burning marks on the body. Evidence given by employees in the colliery who endeavoured to apply artificial respiration after finding the body, stated there was no sign of burning either on Brown's clothes or on the body, also that there was no indication that electric plant caused death. The Procurator-Fiscal, Mr George S. Macknight, asked the jury to find that the cause of death was shock from electrocution. Mr W. A. D. M'Intyre, Glasgow, for the employers, William Baird & Co (Ltd.) asked the jury to find that the Fiscal had not discharged the onus of finding that death was due to electrocution. He (Mr. M'Intyre) contended that there was no evidence of electrocution. The jury returned a verdict that death was due to shock from electrocution. [Scotsman 17 May 1933]

25 April 1934

Fatal Pit Accident - One Dead and Two Injured – Prestonpans Colliery - One man was killed and two were injured as the result of a fall of rock yesterday forenoon in Preston Links Colliery, Prestonpans, belonging to the Edinburgh Collieries Co (Ltd), Musselburgh. The dead man was George Fairbairn, an unmarried miner, who resided at Cuthill, Prestonpans , and the injured are Adam Flockhart (married), mining contractor, Cockenzie , and David Baillie (married), brusher, Eskview, Musselburgh. Flockhart and Baillie were removed to Edinburgh Infirmary, and it was stated last night that they were getting on as well as could be expected

Hard Rescue Work - The accident occurred in the No 12 West Section, when the roof collapsed at one end, and four men were buried. One of them escaped uninjured but his companions were not so fortunate. Immediately the accident occurred all the men in the section close by ceased work and went to the rescue. They worked in relays in clearing a passage to the buried men, but it was not until shortly after one o'clock that the first man was reached. He was Baillie and he was immediately taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary severely crushed. The rescuers worked with feverish haste in trying to reach the other men, but it was only at three o clock that Flockhart was brought to the surface. He was suffering from a broken leg and a crushed foot. It required six hours of hard work to reach Fairbairn, who was dead. [Scotsman, 26 April 1934]

2 May 1934

Fatal Result of a Pit Accident at Bathgate - The death has occurred in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, of John Murphy, miner, as the result of injuries received last Wednesday in Easton pit, Bathgate, owned by Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.) He had been working at the coal face when a stone fell from the roof and struck him, inflicting severe head injuries. Murphy, who was 52 years of age, was a married man, and resided at Easton Rows, Bathgate. [Scotsman May 9 1934]

7 May 1934

Newcraighall Pit Fatality - A Musselburgh miner, Alexander Campbell, was killed in a pit accident yesterday. He was working underground in No. 3 Pit, Newcraighall Colliery, when he was caught by a fall from the roof. He was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where it was found that he was dead. Campbell, who was 50 years of age, resided at 10 Bush Terrace , Musselburgh. [Scotsman 8 May 1934]

20 May 1934

Electrician Fatally Injured At Whitburn Colliery - While employed at Polkemmet Colliery, Whitburn, belonging to Wm. Dixon (Ltd.), on Sunday evening, Michael Ezzie (30), electrical engineer, 34 Mayfield, Armadale, was caught in a dross conveyor, and was so seriously injured that he died a few minutes after being extricated. He is survived by a widow and one child. [Scotsman 22 May 1934]

25 June 1934

Fatal Accident In Shale Mine - While they were at work yesterday in Duddingston Shale Mine belonging to Oakbank Oil Company (Ltd.) a quantity of shale from the roof fell upon James Black, placeman and David Harris, his drawer. The greater amount of the material fell upon Harris, and when he was extricated he was found to be dead. Black was found to be injured about the legs, and was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Harris, who was 26 years of age, resided with his widowed mother at Frankford Place, Broxburn. Black is a married man, and resides at Allanpark, Melbourne Road, Broxburn. 26 June 1934]

30 July 1934

Fatality At Smeaton Colliery - George Duncan (68), a roadsman employed in No. 1 pit of the Smeaton Mines, was killed yesterday afternoon while at the haulage incline by some hutches coming along and severely crushing him. He died almost immediately. Duncan leaves his widow and a grown up family. His comrades stopped work out of sympathy. He resided at Smeaton Cottages, near Dalkeith. [Scotsman 31 July 1934]

31 October 1934

Gilmerton Pit Fatality - While engaged in loading hutches on the cages at Gilmerton Colliery, Robert Baxter (26), Westland Cottages, Gilmerton, was crushed between two hutches, and rendered unconscious. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he died without regaining consciousness. [Scotsman 1 November 1934]

21 November 1934

Man Electrocuted at Midlothian Pit - While operating a coal-cutting machine in the Woolmet Pit of the Niddrie and Benhar Coal Company (Ltd.) during the back shift, late on Wednesday night, James Primrose met his death by electrocution. A companion, observing the accident, rushed to his assistance, only to find that he was dead. Primrose, who was about 33 years of age lived at Danderhall, Millerhill, and leaves a widow and several children. [Scotsman 23 November 1934]

22 November 1934

Bathgate Man Buried by Roof Fall - Joseph Cowley (57), brusher 48 Easton Road, Bathgate, was fatally injured about 12.30am yesterday in Easton Pit, belonging to Wm Baird & Company (Ltd.) Cowley had been in the act of putting in a prop in his working place when a fall from the roof occurred. He was buried under the debris and was killed instantaneously. He leaves a widow and three sons. [Scotsman 23 November 1934]

2 December 1934

Whitburn Miner Killed - While working in Polkemmet Colliery, Whitburn, owned by Wm. Dixon (Ltd.), on Sunday, George Simpson, aged 42, brusher, 26 Murraysgate Crescent, Whitburn, was killed by a fall of stone and debris. He is survived by a widow and young family. [Scotsman 4 December 1934]

19 December 1934

Bo'ness Miner's Death After Pit Accident - The death occurred yesterday in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary of George Kerr (58), colliery fireman, of Cadzow Avenue, Bo'ness, who was seriously injured in the Furnaceyard Pit, Bo'ness, the previous day. Kerr was at work in the No. 6 Section when a fall of coal from the roof struck him down. He was extricated by fellow-workmen, and after receiving first aid treatment was removed to the Infirmary. He leaves a widow and grown-up family. Kerr , who was an elder of Bo'ness Old Kirk, intended to give up his work in the pit shortly to start a hen farm at Uphall. [Scotsman 20 December 1934]

29 December 1934

Man Killed In Bathgate Pit - Crushed by a stone which fell from the roof in Easton Pit, Bathgate, owned by Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.), Hugh Aitken, (18), 8 Burnside Place, Torphichen, was killed instantaneously. He had been employed cleaning the belts of a coal conveyor when the fall occurred, and he was jammed between the stone and the machine. [Scotsman 1 January 1935]

22 January 1935

Man Succumbs To Colliery Accident - Thomas Rae (40), Eskdail Lodging House, Dalkeith, who was seriously injured while:at work at a coal-cutting machine in Woolmet Colliery shortly before midnight on Monday died yesterday morning a few hour after his admission to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Previous to going to Dalkeith at the beginning of the year he had lived for some time at Musselburgh. [Scotsman 23 January 1935]

6 February 1935

West Calder Miner Killed - Patrick Doyle, miner, a married man who resided at New Hermond, West Calder, was killed in Foulshiels Colliery, Stoneyburn, yesterday. Doyle was at work when a large stone fell from the roof on to him. [Scotsman 7 February 1935]

12 April 1935

Fatal Mine Accident At West Calder - A shale miner named William Fleming, who resided at Harburn, lost his life as the result of an accident in No. 26 Shale Mine, West Calder, yesterday. He was at work when a stone fell from the roof, and broke his neck. Death was instantaneous. Fleming was a married man. [Scotsman 13 April 1935]

30 April 1935

Explosion In Colliery - Three Men Injured At West Calder - Three men were injured by an explosion or gas in Westmains Colliery, West Calder, yesterday. They are Michael and Patrick Allan, brothers, of Young Street, West Calder, and Thomas Kerr, married, of Mound, West Calder. On being brought to the surface they were attended by a local doctor and sent to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, suffering from burns. Michael Allan is the most seriously injured. On inquiry at the Infirmary last night a reporter was informed that the condition of the men was unchanged. Westmains Colliery is owned by Scottish Oils Ltd. [Scotsman 1 May 1935]

West Calder Pit Explosion - Another Injured Man Dead - As a result or the explosion of gas in Westmains Colliery, West Calder, last week, another death has taken place. Two brothers, Michael and Patrick Allan, residing at Young Street, West Calder, were severely burned. Michael Allan died on Saturday as a result of his injuries, and Patrick Allan died last night in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Thomas Kerr, a fireman, who was also burned, is progressing favourably. [Scotsman 8 May 1935]

10 May 1935

Portobello Miner Injured - George Davidson (40), 40 Jewel Cottages, Portobello, was injured by a fall of coal while he was working in the Woolmet Pit early yesterday morning. He was conveyed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, suffering from an abdominal injury. [Scotsman 11 May 1935]

18 May 1935

Fatal Pit Accident At Easthouses - Alexander Fulton (40) , a miner employed the Easthouses mine of the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.), died on Saturday as the result of injuries sustained on Thursday, when a fall of coal occurred in the underground workings. Fulton, who resided at 5 Elmfield Bank, Dalkeith, leaves a widow and three children. [Scotsman 20 May 1935]

23 May 1935

Miner Killed At Loanhead - Michael Antonavich, miner, who resided at Eskdall Street, Dalkeith, was instantaneously killed while at work yesterday. He was employed with the Shotts Iron Co Ltd at Ramsay Colliery, Loanhead, and fell a distance or about 200 feet over an incline sustaining severe head injuries. Most of the miners employed at the colliery stopped work for the day when the accident became known. [Scotsman 24 May 1935]

27 June 1935

Miner Killed By Fall of Stone - Joseph Smith (51), a Polish miner in the employment of the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.) was fatally injured yesterday morning by a fall of stone while working in Lady Victoria Pit, Newbattle Collieries. Deceased, who resided at 13 Fourth Street, Newtongrange, leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 28 June 1935]

11 August 1935

Lothians Pit Fatality - Newcraighall Man Killed by Falling Roof - Mate's Narrow Escape - Newcraighall Pit, within the boundary of the city of Edinburgh, and owned by the Niddrie and Benhar Coal Co. (Ltd.), was the scene of a fatality yesterday forenoon, when Peter Dudgeon, a packman, who resided at 37 Whitehill Street, Newcraighall, was pinned underneath a fall of coal and debris and killed. Dudgeon and another packman, William Anderson, were engaged in drawing wood from the coal face in a section of the Jewel seam of the pit, when, without warning, a part of the roof fell in and completely buried Dudgeon. Anderson , who was only fifteen feet away from his workmate at the time, had a narrow escape. When seen by a representative of The Scotsman in the afternoon, Anderson, who is 59 years of age, was obviously still suffering from the effects of the shock he had received. He has been in several pit accidents, but, he said, with a seriousness which there was no mistaking, " I have never had such a fright in my life as I got to-day." Dudgeon and he began work yesterday morning at 6.30, and the fatality occurred about eleven o'clock. It was only the second time he had worked on a Sunday. They were engaged on a piece of work that had to be done specially yesterday. They went about their job with the usual care.

An Awful Crash - The first indication he had of the impending tragedy was the moment before it occurred, when Dudgeon let out a warning shout. Immediately afterwards, Anderson said, he heard an awful crash, and saw part of the roof fall in. He knew instinctively that something serious had happened to Dudgeon, who had been on the spot where the fall took place. Without loss of time Anderson gave the alarm. He called to William Mooney, who was working some distance away, and Mooney went for assistance. Soon a party of six or seven men from other sections of the pit were on the scene, and began the difficult work of extricating the unfortunate Dudgeon from the enormous mass on top of him. About fifteen minutes elapsed before Dudgeon was got out. He was then apparently dead. Mooney, who is an ambulance man, tried assiduously to bring him to life, but all efforts at artificial respiration were in vain. Dudgeon, who was about fifty years of age, is survived by a widow and a grown-up family. News of the tragedy quickly spread through Newcraighall, and cast a gloom over the community. [Scotsman 12 August 1935]

15 August 1935

Limestone Miner Killed - Clippens Lime Works, Loanhead, was the scene of a fatal accident yesterday. While at work underground, John Lynch, aged 38, employed with the Shotts Iron Co. (Ltd.) as a fireman, was killed when a large quantity of material fell on him. Lynch, who lived at Harewood Terrace, Niddrie Mains, is survived by his wife and a young family. [Scotsman 16 August 1935]

22 August 1935

Three Miners Injured - Accident in Colliery Near Armadale - Three Armadale miners were injured - two of them seriously - in an accident in No. 5 Pit, Woodend Colliery, Woodend, near Armadale, owned by the Coltness Iron and Coal Company (Ltd.), yesterday morning. The men were going along the main haulage road to their working places when they were crushed under a fall of debris from the roof. David Bishop, 16 East Main Street, Armadale , sustained a compound fracture to his right leg and other injuries, while John Gibson, 16 Barbauchlaw Avenue, Armadale, had a compound fracture to his left leg. After attention by a local doctor, they were conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Robert Higgins, Mayfield Drive, Armadale received injuries to his back and is being treated at home. [Scotsman 23 August 1935]

13 September 1935

West Lothian Pit Fatality - John O'Hare (56), who resided at 69 Greig Crescent, Armadale, was instantaneously killed yesterday in Standhill pit, Blackridge, West Lothian, owned by United Collieries (Ltd.), when struck by a stone weighing two tons, which fell from the roof of his working place. He is survived by his widow and a grown-up family. One of his sons, John O'Hare, is a member of the Chelsea football team. [Scotsman 14 September 1935]

7 October 1935

Scottish Colliery Explosion – One Man Killed & Five Injured - John McGarry, a miner of Bo'ness, West Lothian, died yesterday of the effects of an explosion at Carriden Colliery, in which he and five others were severely burned on Sunday night.

Four of the men - John O'Harra, Tom Grant, James McCallum, and Alex Sinclair - all of Bo'ness, have been detained in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The sixth man, John Forrest, also of Bo'ness, was able to return home yesterday. He told a reporter: "We were suddenly blinded by a flash like lightning. This was followed by a terrific gust of hot air, which threw us off our feet. All lamps went out and I could hear cries for help in the darkness. I did not know where the explosion had occurred, and I was afraid of moving into the danger area instead of away from it. Then I heard the shouts of a rescue party and I managed to crawl towards them. McCallum and I were farther away from the place where it happened than the other injured men, and that is probably why I escaped more lightly."

The rescue party's search in the dark for the injured men was described by James Cowan, of William Street, Bo'ness. He said : "We could hear moans and shouts for help and we started to grope our way along the roadway in pitch darkness. We had to move slowly because we could not see whether the roof had been damaged or not, and we were in constant terror that there would be a second explosion. The air was thick with dense coal dust. We came upon Forrest who said that he was not badly hurt. Crawling farther along the roadway we located the other men one by one. They were widely scattered by the force of the explosion. Some of them were seriously burned and their clothing had been burned off."

It is believed that the explosion was caused by a large stone from the roof falling on the power cable. [The Times 8 October 1935]

7 October 1935

Miner Injured In Bo'ness - While declipping hutches at the foot of the main haulage way in the Furnaceyard Pit, Bo'ness, yesterday, John White (27), oncost worker, of Snab Lane, Kinneil, was badly crushed by a rake of full hutches. He was caught between the hutches and the tunnel roof, receiving spinal injuries. He was removed by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he was detained. [Scotsman 8 October 1935]

30 November 1935

Loanhead Colliery Fatality - While at work in Burghlee Colliery, Loanhead , early on Saturday morning, Francis Gray, a miner in the employment of the Shotts Iron Co. (Ltd.), was instantaneously killed when he was struck by a stone of considerable weight which fell from the roof. Gray, who resided at Goldie Terrace, Loanhead , was 26 years of age and unmarried. His father also died as the result of an accident in this colliery several years ago. As a mark of respect, the colliery was idle on Saturday. [Scotsman 2 December 1935]

6 January 1936

Gas Explosion In Pit – Three Miners Injured - Three miners received injuries following an explosion of gas yesterday in No. 5 Pit, East Whitburn, owned by Robert Forrester & Co. (Ltd.) Two of the men, John Wood, Whitburn, and James Connell, Whiteside, Bathgate, were conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from burns to the head and body. The third man, Robert Young, Knowehead, Blackburn, who sustained slight burns to the head, was treated at his own home. [Scotsman 7 January 1936]

28 February 1936

Sequel To Gilmerton Colliery Accident - Edward Gray (48), 37 Calton Road, Edinburgh , who was injured by a coal cutting machine at Gilmerton Colliery on Thursday, has succumbed to his injuries in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He was admitted to the Infirmary suffering from severe leg injuries. It is believed that he caught his foot in the machine. [Scotsman 29 February 1936]

14 March 1936

Loanhead Pit fatality - Joseph Hamilton (19), 3 Laurel Terrace, Edinburgh, employed with the Shotts Iron Co. (Ltd.), was instantaneously killed while at work in Ramsay Colliery, Loanhead, on Saturday. Deceased, who was employed as a miner's drawer, fell a considerable distance over an incline, and sustained a fractured skull. [Scotsman 16 March 1936]

5 May 1936

Miner Killed In Edinburgh Pit - Thomas Rintoul (27), a miner, of 34 Niddrie Mains Drive, lost his life in a pit accident at Gilmerton, Edinburgh, yesterday. It appears that he was lighting fuses for shot firing in No 4 Bench in Gilmerton Colliery when the accident occurred. He was struck by lumps of stone and coal. His fellow miners rushed to his aid, but Rintoul, who was severely injured, died within a few minutes. [Scotsman 6 May 1936]

28 May 1936

Newbattle Pit Accident - Inquiry into Boy 's Death – Cause A Mystery - A public inquiry was conducted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday before Sheriff-Principal Brown and a jury into the circumstances attending an accidents at a Newbattle colliery last month, in which a 14-years-old boy was killed. Questions regarding the accident and the employment at the mine of a boy under 15 years of age have been raised in the House of Commons. The boy was James Melrose Fletcher, son of Joseph Fletcher, a miner, The Square, Newtongrange. The boy was a haulage attendant in the employment of the Lothian Coal Company, and it was stated that he was at work on the electric motor on the haulage for the Whitehill sinking dook at Newbattle Lingerwood Colliery when apparently he was caught between the haulage rope and the rope drum and instantaneously killed. It was stated that it was against the regulations to employ a boy of Fletcher's age in work of that description. Stephen Nelson a miner, Lingerwood Road, Newtongrange, said that on the day of the accident he gave the signal, and the haulage at the dook started as usual. After travelling about 250 fathoms he noticed the haulage slow down and stop. He shouted up the dook to Fletcher, "What's wrong Jimmy?" " I got no reply" he said, "then walked up the dook to see what was wrong. I found Fletcher's body lying on top of the winding drum, with his head near the clutch of the motor. He had apparently been killed instantaneously.

In reply to Mr E. Frazer, O.B.E., H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines for Scotland, witness said he could not explain how the accident occurred, as Fletcher was there alone. It was suggested in the course of further questions put by agents representing various parties that there might have been trouble with the rope not running smoothly on the drum, and that against the regulations Fletcher might have climbed in front of the engine to guide the rope straight. James Watson, Ninth Street, Newtongrange, fireman, who said he looked after the Whitehill dook section, said he personally had never heard complaints about the rope not running properly on the drum. He was not aware that the boy was not 15 years of age. "I got the shock of my life when I heard his age on the day of the accident" he said. Witness agreed that there would not have been any difficulty about fencing the front of the drum from floor to roof, with a slot to allow the rope to run through, and that the front could have been made perfectly secure by fencing. In reply to an agent for the Lothian Coal Company, witness agreed that no suggestion had been made before that the fencing was not quite adequate. It was fenced on the sides, and that seemed to him all that was required.

Alexander Meek, The Saughs, Newtongrange , manager of the Lingerwood Pit, said he had considered the boy competent for the job. Fletcher, he said had never made any complaint about any difficulties, and he (witness ) thought the machine was adequately fenced. The rope did not require guiding, and he could not account for Fletcher being in the position in which he was found. The boy had been two months at that particular job. Replying to Mr Andrew Clarke, secretary of the Mid and East Lothian Miners' Association , witness said the boy was working before he came to the pit, and he had no occasion therefore to ask him his age. He had thought Fletcher was 18 years of age. "He was a tall boy; he was a strong and a willing boy" said witness who added that had he known that Fletcher was not 15 years of age he would never have allowed him to be employed at the work. "This is a very distressing case," remarked the Sheriff, "and it is rather a mysterious accident too.'' The jury returned a formal verdict. [Scotsman 19 June 1936]

27 July 1936

Fatal Pit Accident at Newbattle - Andrew Buchan, a 62-years old brusher who resided at Mossend, near Gorebridge, was instantaneously killed by a fall of stone while at work in Lingerwood Pit. Newbattle Collieries, owned by the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.) He leaves a wife and grown-up family. [Scotsman 27 July 1936]

20 August 1936

Fatal Sequel To Armadale Pit Accident - James Prentice (56), Mayfield, Armadale, has died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as the result of an accident on Tuesday of last week. While at work in Torbanehill Pit, Armadale, owned by United Collieries (Ltd.), the side of his working-place collapsed. He had both legs broken, sustained internal injuries, and was immediately conveyed to the Infirmary, where he has now succumbed. [Scotsman 24 August 1936]

23 September 1936

Bo'ness Mineworker Killed - George Williamson, oncost worker, aged 61, Snab Cottages, Bo'ness, was killed at Furnaceyard Pit, Bo'ness, yesterday. Williamson was at the pithead attending to his duties, which included the oiling of a coal conveyor. He was caught up by the moving conveyor and badly crushed. He died shortly after being released. He leaves a widow and grown-up son and daughter. [Scotsman 24 September 1936]

8 December 1936

Musselburgh Miner Killed - A Musselburgh miner, John Johnstone (32), 51 Inveresk Road, received fatal injuries in a pit accident yesterday. Johnstone was engaged in the underground workings of No. 3 Pit, Newcraighall and was struck on the back by a fall of stone from the roof. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where death was certified. [Scotsman 9 December 1936]

10 January 1937

A fatal accident befel William Patrick Egan (36), residing at 171 Birkenside, Gorebridge, a shunter at Vogrie Colliery, belonging to Gavin Paul & Son (Ltd.), during shunting operations at the weekend near Fushiebridge Station. He was caught between the engine and waggon buffers, death being instantaneous. He leaves a wife and young family. [Scotsman 11 January 1937]

2 February 1937

Killed By A Fall of Shale - A bad fall of shale in Duddingston (No. 1) mine, near Winchburgh, was responsible for the death yesterday of James Hunter (47), of Sanquhart Terrace, Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry. Hunter was removed by ambulance to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from multiple injuries, and died a few hours later. [Scotsman 3 February 1937]

28 March 1937

Fatal Result Of A Pit Accident - William Moreland Bell, a 65-years-old Bo'ness oncost worker, who was injured in a pit accident last week, died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary yesterday morning. Bell was working in No. 6 pit. Bridgeness Colliery, when he was struck by a passing hutch. He was found beside the hutches in the haulage way, suffering from severe injuries to the face and a fractured wrist. Bell had been employed in the pits for 50 years, and his recent accident was the first in which he had been involved . His home address was at 260 Park View, Bridgeness. [Scotsman 30 March 1937]

30 March 1937

Miner Killed By Fall in Bathgate Pit - As the result of a fall which occurred in Easton Pit, Bathgate, which is owned by Wm. Baird & Co. (Ltd.), George M'Callum (34), a coal cutter, was killed instantly. It is believed that he was struck by a steel prop. M'Callum's brother, who was working with him at. the time of the accident, was fortunate to be clear of the fall. Both men, who resided in lodgings in Bathgate, and whose home address is 24 Clyde Avenue, Ferniegair, Lanarkshire, began work in Easton Pit only three weeks ago. [Scotsman 1 April 1937]

12 April 1937

Scots Pit Fatality - A fatality occurred yesterday morning in No. 5 Whitrigg Colliery, East Whitburn. While engaged in his working place, William Adamson (31), machineman, Glebe Road, Whitburn, was struck by a stone which fell from the roof. He received injuries to his back. [Scotsman 13 April 1937]

3 June 1937

Winchburgh Shale Miner Killed - Neil Hanlon, (63), a shale-miner, of 49 Abercorn Place, Winchburgh; was killed at his work at the No. 3 Pit of Duddingston Colliery, near South Queensferry, belonging to the Oakbank Oil Co. (Ltd.) (Scottish Oils.) Hanlon was buried by a fall of shale from the roof, and was killed instantaneously. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Scotsman 5 June 1937]

10 June 1937

Traced After 50 Years - Sequel to Pit Accident Fatality – Newsboy Protege Find - Following the death in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary recently of Albert Henry Menzies, pit bottomer, 16 East Bog, Bo'ness, who was injured in an accident at Carriden colliery, Bo'ness, on June 8, the police made inquiries with a view to discovering if he had any relatives alive, and had a communication from a Glasgow man, Mr David Menzies, of 29 Baltic Street, Bridgeton, to the effect that he thought deceased might be his brother, whom he had not seen for 50 years.

The brother in question, one of a family of 13, had disappeared from his home when 14 years of age, he said, and had not been heard of since.

Bo'ness police asked Lanarkshire police to inquire in the Larkhall district, in which, it was believed, Menzies had resided for a time, and information gained there led to unexpected confirmation of Mr David Menzies's theory.

Larkhall Benefactress - Fifty years ago, it was learned, a Larkhall woman, Elizabeth M'Culloch or Miller, 48 Crossgates Street, Larkhall, while visiting Glasgow, took pity on a little boy whom she saw selling newspapers on the street on a cold winter night, and eventually took him home as her protege. The boy assumed the name of Albert Miller and lived in the same house as his benefactress until her death, which occurred about 26 years ago. The protege later went to Bo'ness to work, and the fact that he there dropped the name of Miller and took the name of Albert Henry Menzies is held to be good ground for the belief that he was the Albert Henry Menzies who disappeared 50 years ago from his home in Glasgow. [Scotsman 5 July 1937]

25 June 1937

A young miner, John Blair, 17 Foundry Square, Grangepans, Bo'ness, was killed when caught up and dropped by the coal conveyor system in Furnaceyard Pit yesterday. Blair sustained severe head and body injuries. He was 24 years of age, and leaves a widow and family of two. Work was suspended at the colliery, and miners arriving to go on the next shift returned home. [Scotsman 26 June 1937]

29 July 1937

East Lothian Miner Killed - John Ogg, a miner employed by Ormiston Coal Co. (Ltd.), was instantaneously killed yesterday in the underground workings of Aerfield Colliery, when a stone fell from the pit roof, crushing him to the ground. Mr Ogg, who was about 50 year of age was unmarried and resided with his sister at Limelands Road, Ormiston. He was for a long period secretary of the Ormiston Primrose Football Club. [Scotsman 30 July 1937]

16 September 1937

Colliery Fatality At Newtongrange - Antanas Wincuskas (48), miner, residing at 105 Dean Park, Newtongrange, died in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary yesterday from injuries he sustained the previous day through being run over while at work in the Lady Victoria Pit, owned by the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.) Deceased, who was a widower, leaves a grown-up family. [Scotsman 17 September 1937]

23 September 1937

Bo'ness Miner's Fatal Injuries - Shortly before he was due to complete his shift at Furnaceyard Pit, Bo'ness, yesterday Christopher Roache, aged 34, miner, of 60 Castleloan, was crushed severely between two hutches in a haulage way. He was taken to the pithead, where he died from internal injuries. Roache was treasurer of the Kinneil branch of the Mineworkers' Union, and a prominent member of Bo'ness Federation Pipe Band. He was unmarried. [Scotsman 24 September 1937]

19 October 1937

Loanhead Colliery Fatality - David Currie, a machineman employed by the Shotts Iron Co. (Ltd.), was fatally injured while at work in Burghlee Colliery, Loanhead. Currie was struck by a large stone which fell from the roof and was instantaneously killed. Deceased was 37 years of age, and resided at Newfield Place, Polton Street, Bonnyrigg. [Scotsman 21 October 1937]

23 November 1937

Railway Line Fatality - Pit Boy Severely Mutilated - On Tuesday afternoon, a youth named David Marshall, 33 Westrigg, Blackridge, was run over by several waggons of a mineral train near Woodend Colliery, and was so severely injured that he died within an hour of admission to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Marshall was engaged as a worker at Woodend Colliery. It is understood that he fell over a rail and before he could recover himself the waggons passed over both his legs and his right arm. [West Lothian Courier 26 November 1937]

28 November 1937

Newtongrange Mineworker Electrocuted - William Dickson, 34 Seventh Street, Newtongrange , an 18-year-old surface worker in the employment of the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.), came into contact with a live wire on Saturday and was electrocuted whilst at work at Lingerwood Pit, Newbattle Collieries. Death was instantaneous. [Scotsman 29 November 1937]

30 December 1937

Tranent Miner Dies After Accident - John Torley, 55 Ormiston Crescent, Tranent, died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary early yesterday morning after injuries received in an accident at Fleets Colliery, Tranent, belonging to the Edinburgh Colliery Company. Torley was knocked down and crushed by a hutch when at work on Tuesday, and was admitted to the Infirmary, suffering from a broken leg and other injuries. [Scotsman 31 December 1937]

15 March 1938

Two Miners Killed - Roof Collapse at Roslin – Edinburgh Victim - Two miners were killed early yesterday morning at Roslin Colliery, belonging to the Shotts Iron Co., Ltd., as a result of a fall of roof. The victims were:- William Higgins (44), Wallace Crescent, Roslin, married, and Alexander Bathgate (24), married, 73 Pleasance, Edinburgh. . Both men were getting ready to finish work on the night shift when the roof above them collapsed and buried them. When they were extricated they were found to be dead. [Scotsman 16 March 1938]

19 July 1943

Two Mineworkers Killed- Colliery Tragedy at Loanhead - Two mineworkers in the employment of the Shotts, Iron Company lost their lives while at work at Burghlee Colliery, Loanhead yesterday . Robert Young (37), 53 Wallace Crescent, Roslin, and James Copland (54), 5 Castle Grove, Craigmillar, Edinburgh, received fatal injuries when a fall of roof occurred. A third man, John Campbell, Dalkeith, escaped with slight injuries. [Scotsman 20 July 1943]

Newtongrange Pit Worker fatally Injured - James Fletcher, 34 The Square, Newtongrange, a young underground haulage attendant employed by the Lothian Coal Company (Ltd.) in Lingerwood Pit, was yesterday found fatally injured. How the lad sustained his injuries is unknown, as no one witnessed the accident. [Scotsman 29 May 1936]

31 May 1952

Harthill - Colliery Accidents - John Grant, 57, colliery fireman, 35 West Benhar Road, received severe crushing injuries to his foot when he was struck by a fall of stone while at work in Benhar Colliery last Friday. - Employed on the surface at Polkemmet Colliery, James Sievewright, 20, 13 Dunn Terrace, had his left foot badly injured by hutches while at work on Saturday. Both men received treatment in Bangour Hospital and were later allowed home. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 June 1952]

4 June 1952

Harthill - Miner Killed - Mr David Stevenson who left his native Harthill four years ago to work in the coal mines in Midlothian, was killed by a fall of stone early on Wednesday morning while at work in a pit in the Bonnyrigg district. Deceased, who was 32 years of age, leaves his wife and five children to mourn his passing. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 June 1952]