Accidents 1915 onwards

This section contains newspaper reports on accidents. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for details of Inspector of Mines reports and other accidents covered on the site.

27 January 1915

Uddingston – Serious Accident – About 3 o'clock on Wednesday a serious accident took place in Messrs A G Moore & Company's Blantyre Ferme Colliery, when, owing to a rake of hutches breaking away on the main road of the Glasgow upper seam of the pit and striking the girders, which gave way, a heavy fall took place, and two miners – Felix Sharkey, Gardenside, Uddingston, and Wm Mitchell, Cambuslang -were buried in the debris. The doctors and ambulance waggon were at once sent for, and a gang of men set to work to relieve the entombed men, who, after a full hour, were extricated. Mitchell escaped with slight injuries but Sharkey was more seriously hurt. [Hamilton Herald 30 January 1915]

16 April 1915

Holytown – Colliery Manager's Sudden Death – Mr Hugh Turney, 46, under-mananger of No 6 Thankerton Colliery, belonging to John McAndrew & Co. Ltd., died with startling suddenness while at work in the Upper Drumgray seam of that pit on Friday forenoon. He had been engaged repairing the coal conveyors along with other two men. Mr Turney got down on his knees and immediately collapsed, death appearing to be instantaneous. Dr Findlay afterwards found that death was due to cardiac failure. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 17 April 1915]

23 April 1915

Holytown - Fatal Colliery Accident - James Halliman (36), who resided at Nimmo's Rows, New Stevenston, has died in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, from injuries sustained while at work in No 8 Pit, Holytown Colliery. A stone weighing several cwts fell from the roof of his working place, severely crushing him. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 1 May 1915]

10 June 1915

Accidents at Uddingston Collieries - Four Men Injured - On Thursday evening owing to the irregular running of hutches at Messrs A. J. Moore & Company's Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, three men were injured. One miner named Joseph Steinitz, residing at Croftbank Street Uddingston, said to have fallen in front of a rake, sustained a compound fracture of the left leg, which was also badly cut in two other places and was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Uddingston Ambulance waggon. Deogasis Sag, residing at 13 Pentland Place, Bridgeton, Glasgow, had his left leg badly crushed, and was removed home; while a Spaniard, name unknown, residing in the Company's houses at Calverdale Rows, Uddingston, was slightly injured and removed home. Yesterday forenoon, while a pit contractor named Thomas Daly, residing at Freebairn's Land, Main Street, Bothwell, was at work in Messrs Baird's Bothwell Castle Colliery, Bothwell, a fall took place. When extricated, it was found that Daly was seriously injured on the body and legs. He was conveyed home in a stretcher. [Scotsman 12 June 1915]

22 July 1915

Bellshill – Pit Fatality - Esider Lapinsky, 57, a Polish miner, Globe Street, Bellshill, met with a fatal accident on Thursday while engaged at his usual employment within No 4 Pit, Hattonrigg, owned by the Summerlee Iron & Steel Company. A stone weighing about a ton fell from the roof and the man's skull was fractured. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 24 July 1915]

28 July 1915

While an elderly miner named Alexander Brown, residing at Regent Place, Flemington, Motherwell, was at work on Wednesday afternoon in the virgin seam of No 7 Pit, Thankerton Colliery, Holytown (John M'Andrew & Co.) a fall came from the roof of the working place, striking him on the head, shoulders and upper part of the body. When he was extricated, life was found to be extinct. Two of his sons were at work at the colliery at the time of the accident. [Glasgow Herald 30 July 1915]

23 August 1915

Pit Accident At Uddingston - Yesterday afternoon while a number of miners were at work in Messrs Addie & Sons' Viewpark colliery, Uddingston , a fall took place from the roof and on being cleared away it was found that William Donnelly and James Harris , both residing in Alpine Terrace, Uddingston, were seriously injured. Donnelly was afterwards removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Harris to his home. [Scotsman 24 August 1915]

9 September 1915

Bellshill – Pit Accident – On Thursday last week John Smeton, miner, Neilson Street, Bellshill, sustained a simple fracture to the left leg and left collar bone while at work in No 13 pit, Rosehall Colliery, belonging to R Addie & Sons Collieries Ltd. He had been unexpectedly caught in a fall of debris from the roof and crushed. He was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 11 September 1915]

21 September 1915

Pit Brusher killed at Bellshill - A fatal accident occurred in the No. 7 Rosehall colliery, Bellshill, belonging to Messrs Robert Addie & Sons, last night. A pit brusher, named James Timminey, 21 years of age, who resided at 20 M'Cann's Land, Hamilton Road, Bellshill, was at his employment when a rake of hutches broke loose and came upon him. Timminey wag caught and jammed against the brae face. When extricated life was extinct. The deceased came from Ireland a short time ago, and was in lodgings in the district. [Scotsman 22 September 1915]

Bellshill - Fatality To A Mine Repairer - On Monday night about a quarter to 10, James Timoney, 21, repairer, residing at 20 Hamilton Road, Bellshill, met with a fatal accident while employed in No 7 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, belonging to Robert Addie and Sons Collieries Ltd. It is presumed that the deceased had, according to custom, gone to the top of the incline to guide the downcoming rope to prevent it getting on the rails or in the way of the up-going empties, and having failed to hear warning shouts as to a rake of full hutches having run away, he was struck by the empties running at great speed and was dragged upwards about 60 feet. He was found below the second or middle hutch, and on being released almost immediately expired. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 26 September 1915]

12 January 1916

Tannochside – Colliery Accident – About 11.30pm on Wednesday, 12th inst, James Baird (39), a brushing contractor, 13 Russell Place Tannochside, met with an accident at the face of the blackband coal seam in No 1 Pit Tannochside Colliery, owned by Arch Russell, Ltd. About 4 tons of stones broke away from the roof without warning, breaking the crown of wood, and pinning his legs to the pavement. He was relieved by fellow workmen and conveyed to the lamp cabin at the pithead and there attended by Dr Gordon. It was found that he was suffering from a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula bones of the right leg near the ankle. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, for treatment. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 22 January 1916]

15 February 1916

Mining Fatalities in Bellshill District - Two mining fatalities occurred in Bellshill district yesterday. Robert Sands (21), son of David Sands , enginekeeper, Jackson Place, Carfin Street, New Stevenston, was at his employment as a bogieman in No. 8 Pit, Nimmo's Holytown colliery, when he was run down by a rake of hutches. Death was due to fracture of the skull. John Railton, a miner, married, 27 years of age, and residing at 3 Gardenside, Crossgates, Bellshill, was at work in the Coltness Company's Milnwood colliery, when a hutch ran him down. He sustained serious internal injuries, to which he succumbed in the Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 16 February 1916]

21 April 1916

Lad Killed At Uddingston Colliery - Early yesterday morning, as a lad named John Tollan, aged 16, son of John Tollan check-weigher, residing at Kirk Street, Baillieston, and employed as a bogie driver, was at work in the United Collieries Company's pit at Clydeside, Uddingston, he was instantly killed by a fall from the roof. [Scotsman 22 April 1916]

16 May 1916

Uddingston - Colliery Accident - On Tuesday morning while Joseph Otto, residing at 42 Scott Street, Bridgeton, was at work in Blantyre Ferme Colliery, a fall took place and he was injured on the back and internally and removed home in the Uddingston ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 20 May 1916]

25 May 1916

Rosehall Colliery Accident – The next inquiry had reference to the death of George Smith, pit repairer, which took place on 1st June at the Alexander Hospital, from the effects of injuries which he sustained on 25th May, by being crushed by a hutch striking another hutch which he had been engaged in filling. A verdict to that effect was returned. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 22 July 1916]

5 July 1916

Bothwell – Killed In A Pit – An accident occurred in Messrs Baird's Bothwell Castle Colliery, Bothwell on Wednesday night whereby a young man, Thomas Mullen, pony driver, Springwells, Blantyre, lost his life. Deceased is reported to have been found in a manhole shockingly injured and life extinct. It is presumed he had been run down by a rake of hutches and thrown into the manhole. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 8 July 1916]

8 August 1916

Miner Killed By a Fall - While at work in the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company's Old Orbiston colliery, Bellshill, William M'Cluskey (33), a miner, residing at 5 High Biggans Clydesdale Road, Mossend, was caught under a large fall of strata, and instantaneously killed. He leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 14 August 1916]

16 October 1916

Bellshill – Shocking Accident – A terrible accident befell David M'Vie, 49, a pit fireman, Viewpark Place, New Stevenston, about 8am on Wednesday. While employed in the blackband coal dook of No 7 Pit Rosehall Colliery (Robert Addie & Sons), and placing some detonators on a carrying box, an explosion took place among the detonators, by which all the fingers except the thumb of his right hand were blown off, his left hand being shattered at the wrist, while both his eyes were blinded, and he sustained superficial wounds on the face. He was attended by Dr Muir, and conveyed by motor car to the Royal Infirmary, where his condition was considered serious. M'Vie is a married man, with two of a family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 7 October 1916]

NB David M'Vie died on 16 October 1916 in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

27 October 1916

Bellshill – Fatal Colliery Accident – About 2.55pm on Friday Anthony Barr 16 1/2, a miner, residing at 3 Bellvue Terrace, Glebe Street, Bellshill, was fatally crushed between hutches, a rake of which had accidentally run away, at the bottom of No 4 Pit, Hattonrigg Colliery, owned by the Summerlee Iron & Coal Coy. Death was instantaneous. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 28 October 1916]

12 November 1916

Nackerty – Pit Accident – About 4.15pm on Sunday last, George Simpson (25), miner, Young's Land, Thorniewood, Nackerty, owned by the United Collieries Ltd. He had been in a sitting position when a large wedge shaped stone of about 5 cwts came away from the roof and caught him on the left leg pinning him to the pavement. He received a simple fracture of the left tibia bone and bruising of other parts. On the stone being removed he had his injuries temporarily dressed by Dr Crawford, who set the broken bone, and who then ordered his removal home. On Monday afternoon he was examined by Dr Gibson, Uddingston, who, fearing that blood poisoning had set in, had the man removed to the Royal Infirmary in the Uddingston ambulance waggon. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 18 November 1916]

7 July 1917

Shocking Accident at Tannochside Colliery – On Saturday morning, a shocking accident took place at Messrs Russells No 1 Tannochside Colliery, whereby a young man named John Hynds, residing with his father at Donaldson Place, Tannochside, was seriously injured. It is reported that he was in the act of oiling the machinery in connection with the scree, when his clothes became entangled, and he was drawn in and completely stripped of his clothing, sustaining compound fracture of the thigh and fracture of the lower part of the same leg, and serious injuries to his head. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in an unconscious condition. The poor lad, who was only 15 years of age, and had just recently started work, died in the Royal Infirmary on Sabbath morning. It is stated that a brother was drowned in a pond in the district some years ago. [Hamilton Advertiser 14 July 1917]

17 August 1917

Bellshill – Fatal Result of Accident – William Jenkins, 35, residing at 58 Bothwell Park, Bellshill, died last Friday as a result of an accident in Messrs William Baird & Co's Bothwell Park Colliery. He was employed a s a fireman and after firing a shot was struck by a falling stone, whereby he received injuries to his head. He leaves a widow and family. [Hamilton Advertiser 25 August 1917]

21 August 1917

Uddingston – Colliery Accidents – On Tuesday evening Robert Law, residing in Lees' Land Thorniewood, was run down by a rake of runaway hutches, while at work in No 3 Nackerty Pit, and so severely injured that he had to be removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in an ambulance waggon. The same evening Thomas Harris, residing at 13 Harrison Place, Springwell, Blantyre, was also run down while at work in Viewpark Colliery and conveyed home in an ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 25 August 1917]

19 March 1918

Uddingston - Gas Explosion at Nackerty Colliery - About 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning, while a number of men were at work in United Collieries No 2 Pit, Nackerty, and explosion of gas took place, when James Lang, Old Rows, Nackerty, and Michael Duffy, Drumpark, were seriously injured about the face and body. Land, who was in a critical condition, was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, while Duffy was removed home. Lang succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 March 1918]

2 August 1918

Uddingston - Found Dead - Yesterday morning a young man named John Miller residing at 89 Watson Parade and employed at Messrs Addie and Sons Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, was found dead alongside the electric cable there. The body was removed to his home. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 August 1918]

13 January 1919

Uddingston – Fatal Colliery Accident – On Monday morning as a lad named Andrew M'Culloch, 15, residing with his parents in Young's Land, Thorniewood was at work in Messrs Russell's old Tannochside pit, a fall took place, burying him in the debris. On being extricated life was found to be extinct. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 January 1919]

22 March 1919

Uddingston – Fatal Colliery Accident – On the eve of stopping work on Saturday afternoon last week an oncost worker named David Muirhead, married and residing at Mansefield Street, Partick, was run down by a runaway hutch in Messrs A.G. Moore & Co.'s Blantyre Ferme Colliery, and instantaneously killed. He had been four years in the Army and had only resumed work about 3 years ago. [Hamilton Advertiser 29 March 1919]

David Muirhead (27), oncost worker at Blantyre Ferme colliery, Uddingston, was run down by a runaway hutch,and instantaneously killed. He resided at Mansfield Street, Partick. [Scotsman 25 March 1919]

17 April 1919

Bellshill – Colliery Fatality – On Thursday morning about 8 o'clock, George Campbell, of 234 Main Street, Bellshill, was instantaneously killed in Hattonrigg Pit. It would appear that the unfortunate man was at work in connection with the erection of a brick wall at the pit bottom, when by a peculiar mishap the wall gave way and fell upon him causing instant death. Deceased was a married man of 36 years, and he leaves a widow and three young children, for whom much sympathy is felt. [Hamilton Advertiser 19 April 1919]

5 May 1919

Uddingston – Colliery Accident – Shortly after 8 o'clock on Tuesday evening a fall took place in the Virtuewell seam of Messrs Addie & Sons Viewpark Colliery when Frederic Gaeters, residing at Muirpark Rows, was seriously injured about the head and shoulders and removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. His two sons, who were working with him at the time, were also slightly injured, but were able to go home. [Hamilton Advertiser 10 May 1919]

[NB Frederick William Geater died 7 May 1919 in Glasgow Royal Infirmary]

6 June 1919

Uddingston – Colliery Accident – On Friday evening last week, Mr John Baillie, miner, residing at 84 Main Street, Uddingston, was injured while at work in Messrs Robert Addie & Sons, Viewpark Colliery and was taken home. Later, however, it was found his injuries were more serious than at first anticipated and he was conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, in the ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 June 1919]

[NB John Baillie, 65, died 16 June 1919 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary]

26 June 1919

Uddingston – Colliery Accident – On Thursday forenoon a heavy fall took place in Messrs A G Moore & Co's Blantyre Ferme Colliery, and Thomas Mulrainey, residing with his father at Clova Terrace, Uddingston, was buried in the debris. On being extricated he was found seriously injured and removed home in the ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 June 1919]

31 August 1919

Uddingston – Fatal Result of Colliery Accident – Mr James Kelly, Bissett Place, Bellshill Road, Uddingston, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Sabbath morning, as a result of serious injuries sustained while at work in Messrs A G Moore & Co's Blantyre Ferme Colliery. He was 39 years of age and leaves a widow and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser 6 September 1919]

6 September 1919

Uddingston – Colliery Accident – Early on Saturday morning while James Murphy, residing at Alpine terrace, was at work in Viewpark Colliery, a fall took place, and he received serious injuries to the head, and was removed to the Royal Infirmary in the ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 September 1919]

9 December 1919

Bellshill – Fatal Colliery Accident – A distressing colliery accident, with a fatal termination, befel James Wales while at work at the blackband coal seam in Douglas Park Colliery at 1.15 on Tuesday afternoon. While at work a fall from the roof came away, and he was almost instantaneously killed where he worked. He was a married man with two children who resided at 130 Motherwell Road, Bellshill, and to whom the sympathy of the community is extended. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 December 1919]

21 January 1920

New Stevenston – Pit Accident – An accident occurred on Wednesday at Holytown Colliery, New Stevenston, causing the death of James Skiffington, a miner, 60 years of age. He was repairing a road in the blackband seam when a fall came from the roof, completely burying him. When extricated life was extinct. Other two men who were at work with him in the same road had a narrow escape. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 January 1920]

September 1920

Uddingston – Accident at Nackerty Colliery – In Bredisholm No 3 Pit, Nackerty, James M'Lean, electric machineman, 71 East Mains Street, Whitevale, Glasgow, received a severe shock by contact with a live wire. The current was at about 300 volts and his right hand, which came against the wire, was badly burned.[Hamilton Advertiser 25 September 1920]

27 September 1920

Uddingston -Colliery Accident – On Monday, while Thomas Mulrainey, miner, Alpine Terrace, Uddingston, was crossing between waggons at Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, his head was caught between the buffers and he was so seriously injured that he was conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. On inquiry on Thursday he had not yet regained consciousness. [Hamilton Advertiser 2 October 1920]

21 September 1921

Bellshill Colliery Fireman Killed - While working in the Old Orbiston colliery, Bellshill (the property of the Summerlee Iron and Coal Co., Ltd.), yesterday afternoon, James O'Reilly, fireman, Main Street, Bellshill, was killed by a fall of stone from the roof. He leaves a widow and family' [Scotsman 22 September 1921]

1 March 1922

Fatal Colliery Explosion - An explosion took place on Wednesday morning in East Parkhead Colliery, at Bellshill, belonging to Wilsons and Clyde Coal Co Ltd. While nine men were engaged on the night shift in the black band seam, about three o'clock and explosion, presumed to be caused by an accumulation of gas, occurred. Martin Lawlor, 35, miner, residing at Parkhead Square and Martin Condron, 43, miner, residing at 292 Main Street, Bellshill, were killed outright, the body of Condron being found later a considerable distance away from his working place. The men in the vicinity were all more or less burned about the face, head and arms, and even the men at the pit bottom were thrown about as a result of the explosion. John Henderson, 33, machineman, Cochrane Street, Bellshill, was near to Condron and Lawlor and had a fortunate escape. Patrick McMeel, 30, miner, Orbiston Road; Michael Bradley, 30, miner, New Orbiston Rows,; and Thomas Rodger, sen, 60, Thos Rodgers jun, 25, Edward Rodgers 19 and Frank Rodgers, 14 – father and sons – all miners, residing at Old Orbiston Rows, were all injured. Henderson, the machineman, the two of the Rodgers, were able to proceed home after being attended to, but the other four men were removed to the Royal Infirmary. There has not been so serious an accident in the district since the Hattonrigg disaster 12 years ago. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 March 1922]

An explosion occurred at Parkhead Colliery, Bellshill, Lanarkshire, yesterday morning. Two men were killed and seven others injured, among the latter being a man named Thomas Rogers and his three sons. The explosion, it is stated, occurred in the Blackband seam of the colliery, which belongs to Wilson's and Clyde Coal Company. The two men killed were Martin Lawlor, 35, and Martin Condron, 43, both married. [Times 2 March 1922]

11 April 1922

Serious Explosion At Uddingston Colliery – Through a serious explosion caused by the bursting of an electrical machine in the eastern section of the splint coal seam in Robert Addie and Sons' Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, on Tuesday morning, eleven men were seriously injured, seven of whom so seriously that they were removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in ambulance waggons. Twelve men were at work in the section at the time and one named Samuel Wilson, 17 Watson Street, Uddingston, had a miraculous escape, having just gone for extra rails and clear of the section when the explosion occurred. The two Lynchs, who were working the machine at the moment, and Andrew Martin, are badly hurt, and latest inquiries show that they are in a precarious condition. The following is a list of the injured:- Joseph Lynch, machineman, 315 Baltic Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow, burned on face and body; Bernard Finnegan or Lynch, machineman, 315 Baltic Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow, burned on arms and neck, Andrew Martin, Copeland Terrace, Uddingston, burns on face and body; John Chalmers, Rowan Terrace, Uddingston, burns on face and body; John Thomson, Porterswell, Uddingston, burns on face and hands.

The following were removed home:- James Davidson, Deanbrae Street, Uddingston; Patrick Darroch, Clova Terrace, Uddingston; William Sutherland, Viewpark Rows, Uddingston; Patrick McKenna, Thorniewood Rows, Uddingston.

At the time of our representative visiting the colliery on Tuesday afternoon the mines inspector and general manager were on the spot making the necessary investigations as to the cause of the accident.

The entire body of miners employed at Viewpark Colliery were picketted on Wednesday and remained idle as a protest against the action of the management in not stopping the colliery immediately after the accident took place on Tuesday.

John Chalmers, 21, unmarried and residing with his mother at Rowan Terrace, Old Glasgow Road, Uddingston, and who was seriously burned and gassed in the explosion, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Thursday morning. Deceased had just recently returned from South Africa. His father was killed in Hamilton Palace Colliery about 3 years ago. Andrew Martin 46, married and residing at 44 Copeland Terrace, Uddingston, also died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Thursday morning. Deceased leaves a widow and two daughters, aged 17 and 15 respectively. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 April 1922]

Uddingston – Viewpark Explosion – The funeral of the two victims of the Viewpark Explosion which occurred on 11th inst., took place on Saturday afternoon, the mourners gathering in the residence of John Chalmers, at Rowan Terrace, Old Glasgow Road, and proceeding to the home of Andrew Martin at Copeland Terrace, formed into procession – close on 250 following the remains to their last resting place in Bothwell Park Cemetery. [Hamilton Advertiser 22 April 1922]

The Fatal Explosion At An Uddingston Colliery – Inquiry At Hamilton – Sheriff Shennan and a jury conducted an inquiry at Hamilton on Saturday into the deaths of Andrew Martin, miner, 43 Spindlehowe Road, Uddingston, and John Chalmers, miner, Rowan Terrace, Old Glasgow Road, Uddingston, who met their deaths as the result of injuries received in an explosion in No. 1 Pit in Viewpark colliery, Uddingston, on April 11.

Evidence was led to show that this explosion occurred at an electrical coal cutter in the splint coal seam of the pit, and it was shown from the books of the colliery that gas had been found in this section previously. It was also stated that complaints with regard to this coal cutter had been made, and that the machine had been repaired by the colliery electrician, who stated that it was in good order prior to the explosion. After the explosion the machine was found to be without certain studs and bolts, which, in defence, it was admitted made the machine not flame-proof.

At the close of the evidence. Mr Robert Smillie, in addressing the Court agreed with the Sheriff that there was nothing to warrant anything other than an open verdict. He pointed out, however , the danger of working electrical coal cutting machines in seams where gas had been found, and said that this was not the law in England. In such seams the really safe course was for such machines to be worked by compressed air. He thought a good service would be done if the miners' organisation drew attention to this particular cause of danger which arises in this connection.

The jury returned an open verdict, and stated that the evidence did not warrant a finding on the question of negligence. [Scotsman 22 May 1922]

14 April 1922

Newmains – Colliery Fatality – Last Friday afternoon at fatal accident occur in the Drumgray seam of Bailliesmuir Colliery. About 1.30pm Thomas Allison, 55, miner, who resided at 39 Brown Street, Newmains, was at work when a stone fell from the roof and struck him on the head. Attention was immediately given to the injured man, who was examined by Dr Little. This examination revealed a fracture to the base of the skull. The unfortunate man was removed home, where he died about 5 o'clock the same day. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 April 1922]

23 August 1922

Bothwell – A Double Pit Fatality -A double fatality occurred on Wednesday morning at Bothwell Castle Colliery, belonging to Messrs William Baird & Company Ltd. Two men, James M'Ginlay and John M'Fadden, both residing at 10 Leechlee Street, Hamilton, were employed as brushers, and were working in the ell coal seam, which is between 200 and 300 feet from the bottom of the shaft. It is supposed that the men, thinking the cage was waiting, stepped out into the shaft, and, being unable to draw back, dropped to the bottom. When recovered their bodies were badly mutilated. The accident occurred when the men had finished their shift, and it is suggested that it might have been caused by their hurry to get to the surface, although no satisfactory explanation has yet been reached. It was stated that the safety and protective devices were in proper order, and that the management could not understand how the men had fallen into the shaft. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 August 1922]

Two Men Killed in a Bothwell colliery - An accident took place at Messrs William Baird & Co.'s Bothwell Castle colliery, Bothwell, yesterday , whereby two men were instantly, killed. It is stated that John M'Ginlay and JohnM'Fadden, both residing at 10 Leechlee Street, Hamilton, were working in a seam about 250 feet from the bottom, and were stopping work when they both stepped into the shaft, believing that the cage was there. Both fell to the bottom and were killed. [Scotsman 24 August 1922]

30 August 1922

Uddingston – Another Colliery Accident – On Wednesday morning as Charles Dudley, residing at Watson Parade, Tollcross, was engaged at a coal cutting machine in the Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, his foot was caught in the machinery and seriously mutilated. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Uddingston Ambulance Waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser 2 September 1922]

31 August 1922

Uddingston – Fatal Colliery Accident – Early on Thursday morning while Michael Cassidy, age 30, unmarried and residing at Alpine Terrace, Uddingston, was at work in Messrs Addie & Sons Viewpark Colliery, he was struck by a falling girder and instantaneously killed. [Hamilton Advertiser 2 September 1922]

September 1922

Uddingston – Local Miner Killed in Canada – A cablegram was received in Uddingston on Thursday that Mr Morgan senr., late of Albert Place, Bellshill Road, Uddingston, has been killed while at work in a pit near Vancouver. Deceased took an active interest in Baptist Church work in the district. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 September 1922]

19 December 1923

Workman Killed In Airdrie Pit - While acting as bencher regulating traffic of hutches in Rosehall No. 7 Pit, near Airdrie, William Lewis (30), who resided at 113c Deedes Street , Airdrie, was fatally injured. He had been shifting a hutch back on to the rails while the haulage was going on, and got between two hutches, which came together and literally crushed him to death. [Scotsman 22 December 1923]

Bellshill - Colliery Fatality - On Wednesday forenoon about 11 o'clock, while William Lewis, coal miner, was at work in No 7 Rosehall Colliery, he was overtaken by a load of hutches and struck on the head with fatal consequences. Deceased was a married man, 29 years of age, and resided at 113 Deed Street, Airdrie. [Hamilton Advertiser 22 December 1923]

13 January 1924

Miner's Death Through Burning Injuries - Thomas Payne, machineman (30), residing at 33 Dyeworks Buildings, Cambuslang, who was burned by an explosion of gas in the Glasgow upper coal seam in Clydeside colliery, Uddingston, on Thursday of last week, has succumbed to his injuries. [Scotsman 17 January 1924]

23 August 1924

Serious Gas Explosion At Uddingston Colliery - At a late hour on Friday night while a number of men were employed in the Ell coal seam at Clydeside Colliery, Glasgow Road, Uddingston, belonging to the United Collieries Company Limited, an explosion of gas took place, whereby four men were badly injured, and several had narrow escapes. It is alleged that the usual inspection took place only about two hours before. The injured men were at once brought to the surface, and medically attended and ambulances summoned. Dr Gibson's locum tenens, Baillieston, and ambulance waggons from Bellshill and Uddingston were soon on the spot. The following is a list of the injured:-

James Murray, aged 25 years, married and residing at Crosshill Square, Baillieston, burned on back, chest, face, and arms, and suffering from shock. Conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
William Murray, father of the above, and residing at Clydesdale Place, Crosshill, Baillieston; burned on face, chest, and arms. Conveyed home.
Robert Thomson, Main Street, Baillieston, burned on face, chest, and arms, and removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Samuel Allison, senr. Camphill Gardens, Baillieston, slightly burned and conveyed home.
James Murray died in the Infirmary on Saturday evening, never having regained consciousness, and leaves a widow and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser 30 August 1924]

11 September 1924

Uddingston Miner Killed - Early yesterday morning Laurence Winters, miner, residing at 42 Old Mill Road, Uddingston, was instantaneously killed by a fall of coal while at work in Milnwood Colliery, Bellshill. [Scotsman 12 September 1924]

6 January 1925

Uddingston - Tannochside Miner's Death - On Tuesday, William Rhinds, miner, Hozier Street, Tannochside, who was employed in Bredisholm Colliery, was found on the underground haulage road in an unconscious condition, and on being brought to the surface and medically examined was at once removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, but died shortly after admission. It is supposed he had been run down by runaway hutches. Deceased leaves a widow and family. [Hamilton Advertiser 10 January 1925]

23 January 1925

Uddingston - Colliery Accident - On Friday afternoon last week Thomas M'Culloch, fireman, residing at 9 West Avenue, Viewpark, was found lying between the rails on the underground haulage road in Blantyre Ferme Colliery, severely injured on back and partly unconscious and was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 31 January 1925]

3 August 1925

Bothwell – Colliery Accident – On Monday afternoon two miners named J. Griffen 101 Baird's Rows, Blantyre and Edward Murphy 12 Clova Terrace, Uddingston, were seriously injured by a fall from the roof while employed at Bothwell Castle Colliery, and were removed to their homes in Uddingston Ambulance waggon. [Hamilton Advertiser August 8 1925]

30 November 1925

Illegal Handling of Explosives – Miner's Family Refused Compensation - Sheriff Marcus Dods has issued at Airdrie his decision in a case of some importance, in which the wife and four children of a Polish miner, named Swallow, residing at Hanley Place, Hattonrigg Road, Bellshill sued the Summerlee Iron Company Ltd., Hattonrigg Colliery, for £470, 2s, as compensation for the death of Judzus Kregzdis or Swallow, the husband and father of the pursuers, who were dependent on his earnings. Swallow, it was alleged, was killed by an .explosion of gelignite in the course of his employment with the respondents. The Sheriff has found, however, that that it is not so. He was Hattonrigg Colliery warming some sticks of gelignite by means of the heat of his miner's lamp and was instantaneously killed by the explosion of the gelignite, and his Lordship considers that this was not injury arising out of or in tho course of his employment. He refuses compensation to the claimants, and allows expenses to the respondents. The Sheriff remarks that the conclusive evidence of the nature and cause of the explosion was, in his opinion, furnished by the appearance of the shovel produced and of the only scraps of the lamp and of the canister that were found, taken with the statements made by witnesses immediately after the accident. The centre of the shovel blade was clean blown out and the rim twisted and contorted, creating a strong impression that the shovel had been used as a sort of warming plate, probably balanced on a couple of stones, the canister having been placed on the top surface of the blade and the miners lamp underneath it. Swallow's case, the Sheriff adds, does not come under the statute at all, with the result that it was both unnecessary and impossible to consider whether he was acting for the purposes of his employers' trade or business, though contrary to instructions or without instructions, in the sense of Section 1(2). [Scotsman 3 December 1926]

7 February 1927

Bothwell – Colliery Accident – On Monday afternoon while Hugh Hamilton brushing contractor, residing at Cross Roads, Burnbank, Hamilton, was preparing to fire a shot while at work in Bothwell Castle Colliery, a heavy fall took place and he was badly crushed, sustaining injury to collar bone, fracture of the ribs, and injury to the foot. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 12 February 1927]

4 May 1927

Chapelhall – Miner's Finger Blown Off – When John M'Aleer, 25, miner, 39 Main Street, Chapelhall, was preparing, on Wednesday, to fire a shot in the Burnside Coal Company's mine at Chapelhall, a detonator exploded in his hand and blew off two fingers. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 May 1927]

13 May 1927

Uddingston miner killed - Early yesterday morning, while James M'Phillips, miner, Old Glasgow Road, Uddingston, was at work in Messrs A. G. Moore & Co.'s Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, he was run down by a runaway rake of hutches, on the haulage road, and instantaneously killed. [Scotsman 14 May 1927]

18 May 1927

Uddingston – Miner Injured – While Arty Green, married and residing at 20 Crofthead Street, Uddingston, was at work in Bothwell Park Colliery on Wednesday afternoon he was seriously injured by a fall of stone and removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 May 1927]

18 May 1927

Uddingston – Fatal Colliery Accident – William Morton, miner, Bellshill Road, Uddingston, who was injured in Bellshill Colliery, has died in the Royal Infirmary as the result of the accident. Deceased, who belonged to Lesmahagow, leaves a large family. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 May 1927]

5 June 1927

Holytown – Fatal Mine Accident – Patrick Taylor, 32, a miner residing in Main Street, Holytown, died on Sunday in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, from injuries sustained by a fall from the roof in Lauchope Coal Mine, of the Lauchope Coal Co. He had been crawling through a low part of the workings near the face when a heavy stone crushed him to the pavement, inflicting severe abdominal injuries. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 June 1927]

13 June 1927

Holytown Man's Tragic Death – Thankerton Pit Fatality – Whilst engaged in his duties at No 4 Thankerton pit on Monday afternoon, Mr Alex. Gilchrist of Sunnyside Avenue, Holytown, sustained injuries which proved fatal. One of the accounts of the accident is that several men had been engaged in propping up a wall of stone to allow coal to be removed, when, unaccountably, a corner of the wall gave way and Mr Gilchrist was pinned beneath a portion of the wall. When he had been removed it was found he was badly injured. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary where he died about 3am on Tuesday morning. Mr Alex Gilchrist was a popular and worthy personage of our village. His life was essentially the quite dignified life of domestic interest. As a capable fireman he was widely known, having been introduced to mining in his early years and having through his colliery experiences the unqualified admiration and respect of management and men. In his youth “Alec” was associated with the “Old United” in its successful footballing days. But the greatest interest of his life were his children, of whom there are seven left to guard his memory. Recently he had removed from Main Street to his home in the new housing scheme, and his garden was indeed a pleasurable hobby to him. He is a son of Mr and Mrs John Gilchrist of Main Street. To his widow and family the community generally offers sincere sympathies and condolences, which are further extended to his parents and brothers and sisters. His fellow workers and townspeople also feel keenly the removal of one so widely, if quietly, appreciated. He would be about 40 years of age.

Local Notes – The funeral of Mr Alex Gilchrist of Sunnyside Avenue, was one of the most impressive ones seen in Holytown for many years. As it passed to Holytown Church Cemetery on Thursday afternoon there were numerous indications of deep feeling and reverence. Many workmen were present with townspeople and friends. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 June 1927]

2 October 1927

Uddingston - About 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, while Patrick Halloran, residing at Alpine Terrace, Uddingston, was employed at the coal cutting machine in the Drumgray section of Messrs Robert Addie & Sons, Ltd, Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, he came in contact with a live wire, and was electrocuted, death being instantaneous. Deceased was only 21 years of age and recently married. [Hamilton Advertiser 8 October 1927]

30 June 1928

Miner Killed at Uddingston - While coming off his midnight shift early on Saturday morning, James Carlin (29), who resided at 130 Bothwellpark Rows, Uddingston, was in the act of stepping into the cage at the pit bottom of Viewpark Colliery , Uddingston, when the cage was suddenly started. He was caught by the crossbeam and shockingly crushed. On being extricated life was found to be extinct. [Scotsman 2 July 1928]

4 September 1928

Uddingston - Mining Fatality - Early on Tuesday morning, while James M'Mahon, miner, residing at Caldervale Rows, Uddingston, was in the act of setting a jib tree to shift the position of the coal cutting machine, in Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, a fall took place from the roof, and he was buried in the debris. On being extricated and brought to the surface, life was found to be extinct. [Hamilton Advertiser 8 September 1928]

24 October 1928

Uddingston - Miner Killed - On Thursday afternoon of last week, as Antanas Salonitis, a young Pole, residing at Main Street, Bellshill, was at work in Messrs Addie & Sons' Viewpark Colliery, he is reported to have run a hutch against an upright steel support underground, knocking away a girder with the result that the roof gave way, and he was buried in the debris. On being extricated, life was found to be extinct. Deceased was only 18 years of age, and only recently joined the mining. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 November 1928]

NB Death certificate gives name as Antanas Staloraitis

15 November 1928

Uddingston - Colliery Fatality - About 6 o'clock on Thursday morning, while a number of miners were at work in the virgin seam of Messrs A G Moore & Coy's Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, one miner named James Baxter was missed from his place, and on a search being made a heavy body of gas was encountered. One miner endeavoured to enter the place and became unconscious, a second and then a third all becoming unconscious. Gas masks were then got and other men entered to rescue their comrades, who recovered immediately on reaching the surface. The missing man, being furthest in, was ultimately brought out, but every effort at resuscitation failed, and the body was brought up and conveyed to his lodgings at 36 Copeland Terrace, Uddingston. Deceased was 54 years of age and recently came from Lochore, Fife, where he leaves a widow and grown up family. The survivors who assisted in the rescue operations were William Russell, Cambuslang; Archibald Chisholm, under manager, Woodlands Avenue, Bothwell; Archibald Shearer, Larkfield, Blantyre and J M'Kenna, Woodlands Avenue, Bothwell. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 November 1928]

26 January 1929

Bellshill - Colliery Fatality - On Saturday morning while William Deakin was at work in Parkhead Colliery (Messrs Wilsons & Clyde Coal Co. Ltd) he was fatally injured by a fall. He died before being brought to the surface. Deceased was a single man, 21 years of age and resided at 21 Hope Street, Bellshill. [Hamilton Advertiser 2 February 1929]

16 March 1929

Bothwell - Fatal Accident - By a double accident Francis Macdonald, residing in Bothwell, met his death on Friday forenoon of last week in Bothwell Castle Colliery. When working below he was injured by a fall from the roof. As his companions were in the act of removing him to the surface, a further fall of material occurred, killing Macdonald outright and causing the others to scatter for safety. The deceased was married and leaves a widow and two children. In accordance with the usual practice, the pit was idle in the afternoon on account of the fatality. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 March 1929]

30 March 1929

Bellshill - Fatal Colliery Accident - Early on Sunday morning, while Samuel Stewart, colliery brusher of Churchside Place, West End, Bellshill, was at work removing hutches in No 3 pit Rosehall, his head came in violent contact with the roof of the workings, and was instantly killed. Deceased formerly worked at Hattonrigg Colliery, and on its closing down a few months ago he found work in Rosehall. He was a married man and 42 years of age. [Hamilton Advertiser 30 March 1929]

7 May 1929

Bellshill - Colliery Fatality - On Tuesday, about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, while a Lithuanian named Kazimiers Ciarniackis, a colliery brusher, was at work in Parkhead Colliery, he was accidentally killed. It would appear that he had arranged a shot for blasting purposes, and as it was a bit slow in going off, he approached to ascertain the cause when the shot fired. He was struck on the head and instantly killed. Deceased was a single man, 50 years of age, and lodged at 40 Beechwood Gardens, Mossend. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 May 1929]

6 August 1929

Bellshill Pit Fatality - A Lanarkshire scoutmaster, James McWhirter, 39, who resided at Main Street, Bellshill, lost his life through an accident which occurred at Messrs Wilson & Clyde's Parkhead Colliery, Bellshill, yesterday. Another miner, Andrew Wilkinson, who resided at 3 Douglas Park, Bellshill, was also injured about the back and chest, and was removed to the Glasgow Infirmary. McWhirter and Wilkinson were employed at the same working place when the fall from the roof occurred. McWhirter was completely buried, and although assistance was quickly obtained he was dead when extricated. He was well known in Lanarkshire Scout Circle's and had formed various companies. He was unmarried.[Scotsman 7 August, 1929]

9 August 1929

A gloom was cast over the Bellshill district yesterday by another mining fatality, the second fatal pit accident within two days. The victim was Robert Wilson (50), who resided at Cross Mansions, Bellshill. Another miner, William M'Lintock, a young married man residing at Mossend Terraces, Mossend, was injured, and conveyed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

About midnight on Thursday both men were working at Viewpark Colliery, Bellshill, when a fall occurred, striking both men, with fatal effect to Wilson and injury to M'Lintock. Out of respect to Wilson, the pit was idle yesterday. [Scotsman 10 August 1929]

3 December 1929

Entombed in Pit - Lanarkshire Miner Killed – Rescue Difficulties - Scenes of excitement and anxiety were witnessed at Viewpark Colliery, Bellshill, up to an early hour this morning. Between 5 and 6 o'clock last night it became known that two men had been buried by a fall, and immediately there was a rush to the pithead. The two workmen concerned were engaged repairing supports in the main haulage road, and during the operation a serious breakaway occurred in the strata which completely entombed the two miners. As soon as their plight was discovered other workmen assembled to clear away the debris, but owing to the running nature of the strata very little progress had been made up till 10.30, at which hour an official arrived at the pithead and got together a fresh batch of rescuers.

These were readily drawn from the night shift men who had assembled on the pitbank in readiness to commence their shift at 11 o'clock. Indeed, they had no intention of going to work while their comrades remained in danger. At 11.30 it was stated that one of the victims had been extricated, but he was dead. His name is:- Thomas Norris, aged 31, who resided at 4 Lynnburn Avenue, North Road, Bellshill. The other man who was alive when found is:- Arthur Birch, aged 20, single, who resides at 8 Coltness Cottages, Mossend.

He was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, suffering from bruises to the body, a lacerated chest wound, and other injuries. Dr Weir, Bellshill, who had been down the mine for four hours, stated, on his return to the surface, that Norris died from suffocation following a second fall. The rescuers had been in touch with him at nine o'clock, but he died following the second fall. Birch was found hanging over a haulage rope, and the fact that a tub was in the immediate vicinity no doubt saved his life. [Scotsman 4 December 1929]

23 January 1930

Miner Killed At Uddingston - Yesterday forenoon while a number of men were at work at United Collieries, Bredisholm Pit, near Uddingston, a serious fall took place from the roof. One of the men named John Geddes (38), residing at Kirkwood Rows, Old Monkland, was buried in the debris. When extricated he was dead. [Scotsman 24 January 1930]

Uddingston - Miner Killed - On Thursday forenoon, while a number of men were at work at United Collieries Bredisholm Pit, near Uddingston, a serious fall took place from the roof. One of the men named John Geddes, aged 38 years and residing at Kirkwood Rows, Old Monkland, was buried in the debris, and when extricated, life was found to be extinct. [Hamilton Advertiser 25 January 1930]

1 March 1930

Bellshill - Colliery Fatality - On Saturday morning, shortly after seven o'clock, while James Baird was at work in Parkhead Colliery, a fall from the roof took place on top of him. When rescued from the debris life was found to be extinct. Deceased was 42 years of age, and was a married man residing at 168 Hamilton Road, Bellshill. [Hamilton Advertiser 8 March 1930]

23 April 1930

Uddingston -Fatal Colliery Accident - On Wednesday morning, while a number of men were at work in Messrs Moore's Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, a heavy fall took place from the roof, and on the debris being cleared away it was found that Alexander Aird, miner, had been instantaneously killed. Deceased was married and resided at Newton Rows, near Cambuslang. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 April 1930]

Newton - A Pit Fatality - A fatal accident occurred in No 2 Pit, Blantyreferme Colliery, on Wednesday morning, the victim being Alexander Aird (40), miner, 19 Bridge Street, Newton. A stone weighing about 10 cwts., fell upon the unfortunate man, and he was so seriously injured that he expired before his removal to the surface. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 April 1930]

21 February 1931

Fatal Colliery Accident - While John Anderson, 13 years of age, and residing at 18 Cuthbert Street, Tannochside, Uddingston. was at work in No. 2 Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, on Friday night, he was run down by a rake of hutches and sustained such injuries that he succumbed the following morning. [Scotsman 23 February 1931]

3 November 1931

Two miners were killed by a fall of roof at No. 2 Tannochside Colliery, Bellshill, near Glasgow, yesterday. The men, John Stark Reid, 41, an underground foreman, of Bankroad, Coatbridge, and James Frew, 22, miner, of Bent-crescent, Fauldhouse-road, Bellshill, were attending to an underground pump when the roof collapsed and they were buried. Miners and volunteers assisted in clearing away the debris, but when the men were extricated they were found to be dead. [The Times 4 November 1931]

7 December 1931

Miner's Fatal Fall To Pit Bottom – On Monday night, while George M'Michael, 14 Crofthead Street, Uddingston, was examining the pumps in the shaft at Blantyre Ferme Colliery, Uddingston, he missed his footing, falling to the pit bottom, sustaining serious injuries to the chest and head. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and succumbed to his injuries yesterday afternoon. He was 60 years of age and leaves a widow and grown up family. [Scotsman 9 December 1931]

10 December 1931

Miner Killed At Bellshill - Frank Millar (17), 116 Main Street, Bellshill was fatally injured yesterday morning at No. 5 Rosehall Collieries, belonging to R. Addie & Co., Bellshill. While stepping on to the winding cage. preparatory to descent, the cage moved away and Millar was crushed against the pithead scaffold. Death was almost instantaneous. The lad was the only wage-earner in his mother's house. [Scotsman 11 December 1931]

17 December 1932

Holytown Pit Fatality - On Saturday morning a fatal accident occurred at Thankerton No. 6 Colliery, Holytown, causing the death of a machineman named James Doyle, residing at Hallcraig Street, Airdrie. Doyle was at work in the Virtuewell section, when a section of the roof gave way and covered him with a mass of stones and debris. When he was extricated life was found to be extinct. The deceased leaves a wife and one child. He had been working for only a few days at that colliery. [Scotsman 19 December 1932]

26 March 1933

Miner's Death From Injuries - William Eccles, a 26-year-old miner, residing at Douglas Park Rows, Bellshill, has died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary as the result of an accident at Rosehall Colliery, Bellshill. He was crushed by a hutch, receiving severe internal injuries. [Scotsman 29 March 1933]

17 July 1933

75-Year Old Miner Killed In Holytown Pit - James Brown (75), a veteran miner employed as a shanker at No. 5 Pit, Holytown Colliery (James Nimmo & Co., Ltd.), was killed yesterday as the result of an accident. Brown, in company with other workers, was being lowered in the cage when in some way or other he fell out and dropped to the bottom, a distance of 45 fathoms. He was killed instantaneously. Brown was a personality in the district and had a long and worthy record of service with the company. [Scotsman 18 July 1933]

1933

Scots Miner Killed In New Zealand - News has reached Bellshill that Mr James Reid, formerly of Bellshill, has been killed in a pit accident in New Zealand. He was working at the Stockton coal mine, near Westport, when he was struck by a fall of stone. Before going to New Zealand, Mr Reid resided in the North Road, Bellshill. [Scotsman 4 November 1933]

30 October 1933

Youth Killed At Bellshill Colliery - Joseph Ritchie, aged 17, of 15 Oriel Place, Pollock Street, Bellshill, who was employed as a pithead workers at Viewpark colliery, Bellshill, belonging to Messrs Wilson & Clyde, was crushed between two hutches at the colliery yesterday, and instantly killed. [Scotsman 31 October 1933]

December 1933

Two Miners Injured - Entombed by Fall of Coal in a Blantyre Colliery - Two miners were injured when a fall of coal occurred in the section of the Blantyre Ferm Colliery in which they were working. The men, Robert Russell (41), 68 Hamilton Road, Cambuslang, and William Delaney, Clover Terrace , Uddingston, were working in the section when, without warning, there was a fall of coal from the roof, completely entombing them. Other miners who were working nearby rushed to extricate the men. Both were unconscious when rescued. After treatment Russell, who was injured about the back, was taken home, but Delaney, who was seriously injured about the body, was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. [Scotsman 5 December 1933]

7 September 1934

Miners Imprisoned 24 Hours - Thirty miners were released from a pit at Thankerton Colliery, Holytown, Lanarkshire, yesterday after being imprisoned for 24 hours through a shaft mishap. Officials were able to keep in touch with them by telephone from the pithead, while men repaired the damage to the shaft. [The Times 8 September 1934]

13 September 1934

Bellshill Miner Killed - John McDermid, 17, 157 Hamilton Road, Bellshill, was fatally injured in No 4 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, last night. McDermid, who was a bencher in the Kiltongue seam, was struck by a rake of runaway hutches and killed outright. [Bellshill Speaker September 14 1934]

29 April 1935

Miners Trapped in Flooded Pit – Two Men Missing - Two men were overwhelmed in a sudden inrush of water which flooded part of Messrs. Barr and Higgins's Woodhall colliery at Calderbank; near Airdrie, Lanarkshire, late on Monday night and are believed to be drowned. They are David Wilson, of Newarthill, and George Chambers, of Calderbank. Both were married men, and Wilson had a family of three, and Chambers a family of five.

Eleven other men were working in the section about 1,000ft. below the surface and about a mile from the pit shaft when a torrent of water swept down on them, carrying pit props, and other material with it. Most of the men struggled to an old shaft half a mile away and were brought to the surface, but Wilson and Chambers were missing. Prompt measures were taken to warn men in all other sections of the pit, on which work was completely suspended. Attempts were made to reach the missing men, but the water rose so rapidly that rescue operations became dangerous and difficult. Pumps were kept working constantly to reduce the level of the water, and a rescue brigade was ready to descend as soon as the water became low enough.

William Laughlin, of Calderbank, who escaped from the pit, was, struck by the torrent and had to swim to safety. John Paul, of Newarthill, who was working with Wilson, said that another miner rushed to them and told them to get away. Paul ran for his jacket, and when he returned there was no sign of Wilson. He believed that Wilson had stopped to help Chambers out and had been trapped by the inrushing water. [The Times 1 May 1935]

Colliery Officials Acquitted - Two officials of a Lanarkshire colliery were acquitted at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Monday when charged under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, as a result of a flooding accident at Woodhall Colliery, Calderbank, Lanarkshire, in April last year in which two men were drowned. A verdict of Not Guilty was returned in a trial which has proceeded at intervals over a period of six months. The men acquitted were James Mitchell Buchanan, colliery agent, of Crogal Glen, Calderbank, and Henry Smith Mood, colliery manager, of Firview, Calderbank, charged with neglect of statutory duties under the Act. Sheriff Guild found that knowledge of accumulation of water was essential, and that reports by two foremen were that conditions were safe. Another foreman reported the presence of water once, but afterwards until the date of the accident reported conditions safe. Complaints by workmen did not reach the management, and the conditions had been reported safe. [The Times 24 June 1936]

NB George Chalmers age 40 and David Wilson, age 46 were found dead on May 3 1935

7 January 1936

Colliery Worker's Fatal Injuries - A colliery fireman, Charles M'Laren. of 8 Montgomery Place, Newton, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary as a result of injuries received while at work in Blantyreferme Colliery, Lanarkshire, on the previous day. While M'Laren was fixing a girder a hutch slipped and jammed him against the girder. [Scotsman 9 January 1936]

19 January 1937

Bellshill Miner Killed - John Hamilton, miner, of Churchside, West End, Bellshill, was killed by a fall from the roof in No.10 Rosehall Colliery yesterday. He is survived by a widow and family. The colliery was idle during the afternoon, on account of the accident. [Scotsman 20 January 1937]

1 April 1937

Blantyre Pit Fatality - Alexander Walker (18) a miner, 61 Overton Street, Cambuslang, was fatally injured yesterday in Blantyre Ferme No. 3 Colliery. [Scotsman 2 April 1937]

12 August 1937

Harry Power and William Laird, both of Uddingston were affected in a gassing accident at Blantyre Ferme Colliery, owned by A G Moore and Co Ltd, Uddingston on 12th August 1937. The men were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Immediately the alarm was raised, the men in the pit were rushed to the top. It was learned then that there were still five men below. Assistance was sent down and Power and Laird were brought up. Police and ambulance wagons stood by waiting for the other men being brought to the surface. The other men returned to the surface unaffected. Over 200 men who were due to descend for the back shift were unable to go down the shaft and were temporarily thrown idle.

15 February 1938

Stanley Markavitch, 44, of 388 Main St Bellshill, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary yesterday from injuries received in accident at Viewpark Colliery, Uddingston, on Tuesday. Markavitch was engaged repairing a mine in the upper ell seam when a rake of hutches broke away and crushed and against the building. He was removed to the Infirmary in a critical condition and died there yesterday. Markavitch was married.[Scotsman 17 February 1938]

14 May 1939

Four miners were injured, one of them fatally, in an accident at No. 14 Rosehall Mine, Whifflet, Lanarkshire, early yesterday morning. The dead man was Louis Smith, 26, 1 Stewart Street, Mossend. The injured are James Henderson, 24, Glebe Street, Bellshill; John Miller, 23, Hamilton Road, Bellshill; and Thomas Riley, 21, Newland Street, Whifflet.

The accident occurred just before 7am. The men were descending the mine to start work when the haulage chain broke and struck them. Fortunately they were on a level part of the road, otherwise many others would have been injured by the hutches. Smith was thrown on top of a full hutch of coal standing nearby. When the rescue party reached him he was unconscious, and suffering from severe face and neck injuries. George Rankine, Main Street, Bellshill, one of the rescue party said "we were going to our work when we heard a terrific crack and instantly the chain lashed around us. Smith received a terrible blow." The men were carried up the mine on stretchers. Riley who is suffering from head injuries said he was walking between Henderson and Smith when accident happened. Smith and Henderson who were seriously injured, were removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where Smith died late last night. Work was suspended in this part of the Colliery for the day. On inquiry at the Royal Infirmary last night it was stated that Henderson was "very ill ". [Scotsman 15 May 1939]

Miners employed at No. 14 Rosehall Mine, Whifflet, near Bellshill, did not go to work yesterday as a tribute to their dead colleague Louis Smith of Stewart St Mossend who was fatally injured in an accident at the mine on Sunday. Smith died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. It was stated at the Infirmary yesterday that there was no change in the condition of James Henderson, 24, of Glebe St Bellshill, who was also injured. Henderson is suffering from severe leg, body, and face injuries. [Scotsman 16 May 1939]

18 June 1945

Bothwell - Two Men Killed At Castle Colliery - Two day shift workers were killed at Bothwell Castle No 1 and 2 Colliery on Monday afternoon. They were William Kyle (44), 20 Eighth Street, Birkenshaw, Uddingston and Edward Halliday (31), 45 Bothwellpark Rows, both married men with families. The accident occurred about a mile from the pit bottom, when the men had almost finished their shift. They were pinned under a huge stone, weighing abut 3 tons, which fell from the roof. The colliery was idle on Tuesday in sympathy. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 June 1945]