Old Monkland Accidents pre 1900

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.

12 May 1803

Last Thursday morning a young man at Barrachnie Colliery in a thoughtless manner run down the rope at one of the pits but losing his hold he was precipitated to the bottom and did not survive many hours. As there is a stair by which the men can go and come to and from their work at that colliery this accident as well as many others of a similar kind should be a caution to all colliers who have such an opportunity never to go or come from their work by the ropes. [Glasgow Courier, Sat .14th. May, 1803] Many thanks to Robert Murray for supplying this article

2 January 1805

On Wednesday, while a man was working in one of the coal-pits at Barrachnie, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, part of the roof fell in, by which he was instantly crushed to death. He has left a wife and four children. Another man was considerably bruised, but there are hopes of his recovery. [Edinburgh Advertiser 5 January 1805]

February 1830

Early on Saturday morning last a fatal event happened at Whiteflat coal pit parish of Old Monkland. Four colliers descended to the bottom of the pit, and without waiting for the arrival of the fireman, proceeded onwards to their working rooms, where they foolishly uncovered their safety lamps to ignite their pipes, and the melancholy result was that the flame had instantly communicated with the foul air and occasioned a tremendous explosion, which shook the ground and resembled a discharge of cannon. Beside three men who perished in the most distant room, the fireman experienced the same sudden fate, as did another collier who had just got out of the bucket at the bottom. Two colliers (one of whose fathers is on the fatal list) who had been working all night in the ell-coal were smoking when the explosion took place, but they escaped. They groped their way in darkness towards the bottom of the pit, and in their route stumbled upon the body of a prostrate collier, which, with great difficulty, they dragged along with them and brought up in the bucket: his recovery is doubtful. The miners used every exertion on Saturday to recover the bodies, but owing to the foul state of the pit were only successful in 2 instances. The sinking of temporary entrances to where the other 3 bodies lay was then resorted to, and after considerable danger they were recovered on Sunday. [The Times February 22 1830]

24 October 1840

Shocking Coal Pit Accident – On the morning of Saturday last, an explosion of fire damp took place on one of Dundyvan Pits, No 3, when a man of the name of Wm. Donachie, residing in Airdrie, and a boy of the name of Brown, were killed on the spot. A man of the name of Solomon Gabney had his leg broken (since amputated), while Christopher Laird and the brother of the boy Brown are now lying in the most imminent danger, from the numerous bruises they sustained. The person who had his leg broke was the innocent cause of the catastrophe, having incautiously ventured, after being warned, with his common lamp, to the spot where the foul and damp air had been pent up from the day previous. The Davy lamp, which was quite convenient, would have prevented the fatal error. When will miners take warning? - Glasgow Argus [Scotsman 28 October 1840]

Dundyvan Coal Pit Accident – Of the five individual sufferers at the explosion of inflammable air in No 3 pit, Dundyvan, as mentioned in Monday's Argus, only Solomon Gabney survives; the two who were said to be in imminent danger have since expired in great agony. Gabney, who is believed to have been the headstrong cause of the fatal deed, is doing well since the amputation of his leg. [Scotsman 31 October 1840]

23 August 1844

Fatal Colliery Accident - A young man of the name of Daniel Cashiedy, lost his life on Friday in the No. 9 pit, Drumpeller, by Coatbridge. It would appear that he had neglected to put his token on the hutch, till it was in the cage, and in attempting to do so, was unfortunately drawn up the shaft, and was smashed to pieces in the fall. [Glasgow Herald 26 August 1844]

31 July 1845

Fatal Colliery Accidents. An accident of a fatal nature took place on Thursday, 31st ult., at the No. 11 pit, Dundyvan, by which two men lost their lives, and several others were seriously injured. It appears the pit had been laid idle a few days previous, and on the men descending to their employment, their lights came in contact with the gas, which exploded. The names of the sufferers are - William Ingram, a married man, who has left a wife and five children to deplore his fate ; John Allan, a young man, died after being taken to the Infirmary. The other sufferers are of the respective names of Wotherspoon, Stevenson and Hodskies, who are in the way of recovery. [Glasgow Herald 11 August 1845]

28 July 1846

Another fatal accident occurred on Tuesday last, when a miner of the name of Boyd lost his life in one of the Calder pits. It is said a neighbouring workman nearly lost his life from the effects of the damp, in endeavouring to get at the the body, and was only saved by a rope which had been fastened round him, by which he was drawn out to the fresh air, and, although in an exhausted state, he succeeded in bringing the corpse of Boyd with him. On the same day another miner lost his life in No. 4 pit, Gartlee, belonging; to the Monkland Company, by means of a piece of coal falling down the pit. [Glasgow Herald 3 August 1846]

31 July 1846

A boy, of the name of M'Cready, lost his life on Friday in the Garturk pit, Calder, but we have not heard by what means. [Glasgow Herald 3 August 1846]

21 September 1850

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - On Saturday last, the 21st current, while Hugh Strain, miner, was following his occupation in a pit belonging to Mr. Adams, Coatdyke, a portion of the roof gave way, and falling upon his body inflicted such severe injuries that he lingered till yesterday, when death terminated his sufferings. The deceased, we believe, was a sober and industrious man. [Glasgow Herald 27 September 1850]

17 September 1853

Reid vs The Bartonshill Coal Company - A jury was empannelled to try the following issue in the cause in which Mrs Elizabeth Clark or Reid, residing at or near Dykehead, by Baillieston, widow of the deceased William Reid, miner there, and Grace Reid, Ann Reid, Elizabeth Reid, Isabella Martin Reid, William Reid, Janet Reid, Richard Reid. and Jane Reid, residing there, children of the said Mrs Elizabeth Clark or Reid, and the deceased William Reid, are pursuers; and the Bartonshill Coal Company, Glasgow, and James Beaumont Neilson, coalmaster, residing at or near Queenshill, by Castle-Douglas, in the county of Kirkcudbright, and Robert Paterson, coal master in Glasgow, and at Bartonshill and Bargeddie, Lanarkshire, two of the individual partners of the said company, are defenders.

It being admitted that the pursuer, Elizabeth Clark or Reid is the widow, and that the other pursuers are the lawful children of the said deceased William Reid, and the pursuer, Elizabeth Clark or Reid: Whether, the defenders were, in the month of September 1853, in the occupation, as proprietors or lessees, of the coal-pit at or near Baillieston, called the Dykehead or Bargeddie pit?, and whether, on or about the 17th day of September 1853, the said deceased William Reid, while in the employment of the defenders in said pit, received severe and mortal injuries, through the fault of the defenders, in the management of the machinery for lowering and raising the miners or colliers at said pit, or part thereof, in consequence of which he immediately, or soon afterwards, died, to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuers?

Damages to the widow laid at £400; to each of the other pursuers £300.

The case went to trial on the part of the defenders on this issue, to raise and, have decided the important question of law stated in the following exceptions; and after the facts were proved, the counsel for the parties arranged the sum of damages, and the jury returned the following verdict: - "Edinburgh, 23d March 1855. - Find , for the pursuers, and assess the damages as arranged by the parties - viz., £100 to Mrs Reid, and £200 among- the children."

Whereupon the Dean of Faculty, for the defenders, excepted to the charge of the presiding Judge to the jury, in so far as his Lordship directed the jury, in point of law, that if they were satisfied upon the evidence that the injury was caused by culpable negligence and fault on the part of the engineer in the management of the machinery, the defenders were answerable. The Dean farther excepted to the charge of the said Judge, in so far as his Lordship refused to direct the jury, in point of law, that if the jury are satisfied in the evidence that the defenders used due and reasonable diligence and care in the selection and appointment of Shearer as engineer, and that Shearer was fully qualified to perform the duties of engineman, and furnished with proper machinery, and all necessary means for the performance of these duties, then the defenders are not in law answerable for the personal fault or negligence of Shearer, in the management of the machinery, on the occasion mentioned in the issue.

M'Guire vs The Bartonshill Coal Company - This was an action of a similar kind to the above, by the widow of the deceased James M'Guire, miner, who was killed at the same time as Reid ; and a verdict was consented to, under reservation of the question of law, assessing the damages at £100. [Scotsman 24 March 1855]

5 March 1855

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - A fatal accident occurred on Monday last, in No 11 Pit, Drumpeller, whereby Alexander Mitchel and James Brand lost their lives. Mitchel and Brand were ascending the pit for some necessary cause, and when about 40 fathoms up the shaft the muzzle which connects the rope or chain to the cage gave way, and both were precipitated to the bottom and killed on the spot. We understand that it was a double patent cage, and the unfortunate men were in what is called the top cage, and a hutch of coals underneath them, adding nearly seven hundredweight which could have been dispensed with. We trust that this melancholy incident will operate as a warning to masters, and those in authority under them, against permitting men to ascend the shaft accompanied by coals; and it shows the necessity for paying the utmost attention to the springs upon the cages. [Glasgow Herald March 12 1855]

4 August 1855

The Fated Family - On Saturday last an accident occurred in Carlincraft pit, Gartsherrie, whereby a man named Edward Nelson was so severely hurt he died on the Tuesday following. The deceased had a brother who was drowned in Spain forty years ago; a second was killed by Main's Airdrie coach, in the Gallowgate of Glasgow twenty years ago; a third was killed three years ago by a fall of coals while working in a pit in Chapelhall. Thus four brothers, which composed all the male portion of a family, met with an untimely end [Glasgow Herald August 10 1855]

18 January 1859

Explosion of Fire Damp – James Michan, redsman, Coatbridge, was severely burned on Tuesday last, by an explosion of fire damp, while at work in No 12 Pit, Rosehall.[Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser January 22 1859]

3 February 1859

Explosion of Fire Damp – Stanhope Fleming, collier, Gartcosh, was so severely burned in No 2 Pit, Gartgill on Saturday last, that he died on Thursday. He has left a widow and three children. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 5 1859]

8 February 1859

Fatal Accident – On Tuesday, while Robt. Kirkwood, collier, about 12 years of age, and a man named Chas. Roy, also a collier, were at work in No 2 coalpit, Braehead, belonging to Chas. Tennant & Co., a quantity of stone fell from the roof of the room in which they were working, whereby the boy Kirkwood was killed instantaneously, and Roy severely injured. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 12 1859]

February 1859

Accidents – James Beattie, drawer, Drumgelloch, while at work in No 2 coal and ironstone pit, Hillhead, on Wednesday, had his leg broken by a hutch coming violently in contact with him on an incline in the pit. He was otherwise severely injured, and has been removed to the Glasgow Infirmary. - Thomas Cuningham, while at work today in No 4 ironstone pit, Palace Craig, in the parish of Old Monkland, had his back broken by a fall of stone from the roof of the room in which he was working. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

NB Thomas Cunningham, age 41, died March 23 1859 at Coatdyke

19 February 1859

Accident By Fire Damp – James Sharp, Nathaniel Sharp, and John Gillespie, all residing at Greenend, were severely burned by an explosion of fire damp while at work in the Quarry Ironstone Pit, Calder, on the morning of Saturday last. The pit is the property of Mr Wm Smith Dixon of Calder Ironworks. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

23 February 1859

Coatbridge - Fatal Accident – Alex Sneddon, oversman, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in No 5 Pit, Rosehall. It appears that he had been assisting to put in new bunting and midwall, in place of that which was destroyed by fire last Friday night. He was standing upon the cage – which was about midway down – when it is supposed a stone fell out of the side of the pit, striking him on the top part of the head, killing him on the spot. His death will be much regretted by those in the employment, and also by his employers, Messrs Eddie & Rankine, Langloan Iron Works – having been in their service for the last 23 years. We understand that he has left a widow and family to lament his untimely end. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

5 March 1859

Sudden Death – On Tuesday at 1 o'clock, Mr Matthew Watson, manager, Sonterhouse [sic] Colliery, while standing at No 2 Pit, complained of a dizziness in the head. On reaching the wright's shop he suddenly dropped down insensible form a shock of apoplexy. He was immediately taken home in a carriage and every means used for his recovery that medical skill could suggest ; but all was in vain; he expired the same night at 11 o'clock. The deceased is 56 years of age, and has been in employment at Dundyvan Iron Works for upwards of 20 years. His death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends, as he was much respected in the district. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 5 1859]

12 March 1859

Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday a young man named Duncan Lamond was killed on the spot in No 5 Pit Faskine, through the falling of a portion of the roof. The unfortunate man was, we believe, unmarried. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 12 1859]

30 March 1859

Accident - On Wednesday while Mr Alexander M'Intyre, contractor, Airdrie, was engaged in repairing the water pipes in the shaft of No 8 Pit, Faskine, one of the iron screw nuts, which the pitheadman was engaged in oiling, accidentally fell down the shaft, and after coming in contact with the corner of the cage, struck Mr M'Intyre on the back, thereby injuring him very severely. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 2 1859]

NB Alexander McIntyre, age 23 died April 16 1859

March 1859

Accidents – Francis Kennedy, bottomer, Calder, was so severely injured on Monday that he died on Tuesday. At the bottom of the works there is an elevator engine which draws up the cages with waggons of pig iron or other material to the bank or level. About 6 am on Monday morning he passed between the two cages, while the one was ascending with a full waggon and the other descending with an empty one, for the purpose of sorting the lamp, when the descending cage and waggon came down upon him, breaking his legs and six of his ribs, from which he died as stated above. - Hugh M'Ginley, collier, Airdrie was severely hurt on Tuesday while at work in No 2 Coalpit, Cliftonhill, by a stone or brushing from the roof of the pit. His left leg was broken and his back is severely injured. The pit is the property of Mr John Davidson, coalmaster, Airdrie. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 2 1859]

13 April 1859

Fatal Accident – As Malcolm M'Neil, Jas. Kilty, John Baird and Robert Stevenson, all roadsmen, residing at Westmerryston, near Baillieston, were engaged on a night shift on Wednesday, the 13th last, in the No 2 coal pit Aitkieston, in the neighbourhood of Baillieston, a great quantity of the roof fell upon them by which M'Neil and Kilty were killed and Baird and Stevenson severely injured. The accident occurred early in the night, but was not known till the other workmen went down the pit at 4 o'clock the following morning. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 16 1859]

24 May 1859

Fatal Accident – On Tuesday last, while Hugh Leckie and John Barrisford, miners, were engaged at their usual employment in No 10 coalpit, Rosehall, a part of the roof gave way and fell upon them, injuring Leckie so severely that he died in about 2 hours afterwards. Barrisford is also severely injured but is expected to recover. Leckie was about 40 years of age, was married, and has left a widow with five or six children. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser May 28 1859]

4 February 1860

Fatal Accident - James Kelly, roadsman, aged 45, while at work on Wednesday in Drumpeller No 2 Pit, commonly named the Blair pit, was so seriously injured by a large stone that fell from the roof that he died about half an hour after being carried home to Blair Row. Dr Joseph Wilson attended but his services were of no avail. [Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 4 February 1860]

July 1860

Pit Explosion at Coatbridge - A fire damp explosion took place at No 5 coal and ironstone pit, Rosehall, by which two colliers and a drawer were severely burned on the face, hands and other parts of the body. The foreman, it appears, warned them of their danger, and to keep their lamps very low down, as the foul air was moving in small quantities at the roof of the mine, but it seems the warning was unheeded. [Hamilton Advertiser July 7 1860]

17 September 1860

Miraculous Escape – John Wilkie, collier, Gartcloss, while descending the shaft in No 2 Pit, Gartgill, on Monday morning in the usual way to begin work, nearly lost his life under the following strange circumstances:- He entered the cage all right at the pit mouth, but when about half way down he fell through the bottom of it, and after falling down a few fathoms he was thrown by the bunting into an upper seam, but before getting a footing he fell back upon the iron roof of the cage, which, by this time, had descended to that level. Not losing, however, his presence of mind, he had seized hold of the roof of the cage, and placing his feet upwards, turned them round the rope. He thus descended to the bottom in safety, and strange to say, little the worse of his perilous descent, his body and legs being only slightly bruised. Such an escape has never occurred in the annals of pit working in this district. Dr Duncan attended. [Hamilton Advertiser September 22 1860]

20 September 1860

Pit Accident – On Thursday last, about 6pm, an explosion of fire damp took place at Rosehall Colliery in No 10 Pit, by which Patrick Goldie was very severely burned on the hands face and body. It seems that Goldie was warned before going in that fire damp existed in that part of the pit. Notwithstanding, he advanced with his naked lamp, and the damp exploded. Such recklessness is to be deplored, as it is the cause of many accidents of a like nature. The man was taken home, and attended by Dr Duncan, who gave instructions for his removal to the infirmary. On Friday, another man named Corsie was burned on the face and other parts of the body in No 14 Pit, Whifflet, by carelessly keeping a quantity of powder lying beside him in a flask. A spark from his lamp caused the whole to explode. [Hamilton Advertiser September 22 1860]

NB Patrick Goldie, died in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary of 3rd degree burns, on 30 September, 10 days after the accident

28 September 1860

Another accident of the same nature occurred at Souterhouse Colliery, on Friday last, whereby Wm. Hodgkiss, a young man, was seriously injured. A hutch of stones broke away from a train in an incline in No 1 Pit, which belongs to Dundyvan, and Hodgkiss was severely cut on the legs and other parts of the body. Dr Joseph Wilson attended. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

NB Report probably refers to James Hotchkiss, injured 28 September, died Oct 10 1860.

29 September 1860

Fatal Coal Pit Accident – On Saturday evening as Michael Burns, fireman, No 5 pit, Rosehall, Coatbridge, was about to blast a mine in said pit, he, before doing so, knocked away one of the props which support the roof, in order to make the blast more effective, but as soon as he had done so, and before he had time to move, the whole roof came down upon him and crushed him to death. [Scotsman 3 October 1860]

1 October 1860

Accident – On Monday morning, Bruce Harvey, collier, Gartsherrie, was severely injured by some hutches knocking him down, and passing over him, in Carlingcroft Pit, Gartsherrie. It appears he was in the act of ascending an incline to his work when the hutches came down, and, before he could escape the above was the result. Dr Duncan attended but the man's recovery is considered doubtful. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

3 October 1860

Fatal Accident – It is our painful duty to record another fatal accident which occurred early on Wednesday morning in No 14 Pit, Whifflat, situated near Dundyvan Iron Works, to a boy of 12 years of age, named Thomas McKim, who was employed as a pumper. From what we can learn the lad had left his work about 1 o'clock and had gone to the face of the mine, where some relations were employed, and while standing speaking to them, a portion of the roof descended upon his head and body by which he was instantly killed. The men who were working in the place escaped. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

October 1860

Pit Accident – A Miner named Jas. Hamilton, while working in No 14 Pit, Whiflat on Friday, got his thigh bone fractured, by a stone falling from the roof. He was removed on Saturday to the Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser October 13 1860]

9 October 1860

Serious Accident – On Tuesday morning, shortly after 9 o'clock as Andrew and Jas. McGhee, father and son, colliers, residing in Brown's Square, Langloan, were working in the Store Pit, Gartsherrie Iron Works, a considerable portion of the roof came down, and buried both beneath it. When the other workmen got the rubbish cleared away, James, the son, was found quite dead, the father escaping with a few bruises. Dr Duncan attended. [Hamilton Advertiser October 13 1860]

15 October 1860

Pit Accident – Manus Campbell, collier, Langloan, was slightly burned on the face and hands in No 9 Pit Drumpeller, by the explosion of a small quantity of fire damp, when going into his work on Monday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser October 20 1860]

22 November 1860

Fatal Accident at Coatbridge – On Thursday morning, the 22nd ult, about 4 o'clock, two colliers named William Darlin and William McLachlan were killed in No 2 Pit, New Camp, Baillieston. It appears they were in the act of cutting away a “stoop” when a portion of the roof fell down and killed them, and also injuring severely McLachlan's father, who was working near the place. [Hamilton Advertiser December 1 1860]

20 December 1860

Accident – Alexander Graham, bencher, age 14 years was severely hurt on Thursday at No 1 Coal Pit, Gartsherrie. When in the act of stepping off the cage, he fell backwards on the bottom iron bars, by which he got his head cut severely, part of the scalp being seen. It is fortunate for the boy that he fell on the cage, as, had he swerved a few feet to the right or left, he might have fallen down the pit and been killed. [Hamilton Advertiser December 22 1860]

24 December 1860

Pit Explosion – Two Lives Lost - About half past two o'clock on Monday morning, two young men, named James Bell and Alexander Wilson, colliers, were killed in No 1 or Store Pit, Gartsherrie Iron Works under the following circumstances:- They had both gone down early to commence work, and it seems the firemen, whose duty it is to inspect the workings, and report their safe or unsafe condition from fire or any other indication of danger, had not been forward, or if so, had not examined that part of the pit. It was, therefore, the duty of the men to have waited until the fireman returned and reported the state of the workings. This they did not do; and while on the way to commence their labours, their lamps ignited the foul air which had collected, and the result was an explosion by which they were both killed. Some of the workmen in another part of the it, on hearing the report of the explosion, ran to their assistance, but they only arrived to see one of them dead and the other expire. [Hamilton Advertiser December 29 1860]

21 January 1861

Melancholy Accident - About 3 o'clock on Monday morning a young lad named Jenkins, 15 years of age, belonging to Whifflat, was burned in such a shocking manner at an ironstone fire, which was in the course of calcining at No 14 Pit, Whifflat, that he died a few hours afterwards. It appears he had laid himself down to sleep at the side of it, and was awakened by his clothes being in flames. Medical assistance was immediately sent for, but it was of no avail as he lingered on in agony till the forenoon, when death terminated his sufferings. [Hamilton Advertiser January 26 1861]

(Deceased was Robert Jenkins, age 14)

29 January 1861

Fatal Accident – a collier named George Samuel, employed at No 2 Coal Pit, Gartgill, belonging to Messrs Baird, Gartsherrie, met with a severe accident upon Tuesday the 29th ultimo, in the above pit, by an explosion of firedamp, from the effects of which he died on Monday evening. [Hamilton Advertiser February 9 1861]

17 February 1862

Coatbridge February 17 – Explosion of Fife Damp – This forenoon while James Gallacher, collier, residing at Whifflat was working in No 13 Rosehall Colliery, his lamp ignited a quantity of firedamp, and in the explosion he was severely burned about the face and other exposed parts of the body. It appears the place was clear in the morning, but the gas had collected while he was working, or been waffed from another part of the pit. No blame can be attended to anyone. Gallacher was removed to his own house and attended by Dr Duncan [Herald 8 February 1862]

17 March 1862

Fatal Accident at the Big Bank Pit, Calder – About 9 o'clock on Monday morning, a very serious accident, resulting in the death of two oversmen, viz., Adam Hunter, residing at Coatdyke and John Meikleham, Tod's Pit, Calder, occurred at this pit which has been in disuse for a number of years. The unfortunate men were being lowered down the shaft for the purpose of inspecting the state of the pit, in which were 17 fathoms of water, the pit itself being, in all, 35 fathoms deep, when the chain rope snapped and they were precipitated to the bottom. The rope not having been used for a long period, and through exposure to the weather & c., was corroded with rust, and was apparently unfit for use, but before using it to lower the men it had been tested by a quantity of heavy pig iron. Both men leave wives and families to mourn this calamitous and sudden bereavement. At 5pm the bodies had not been recovered. [Herald 18 March 1862]

Fatal Pit Accident – Two Men Killed – An unfortunate accident occurred about nine o'clock on Monday morning in the Big Bank Pit, near Calder, the property of William Dickson, Esq., by which two men named John Meikleham and Adam Hunter, both oversmen, and residing, the one at Calder, and the other at Coatdyke, lost their lives. The pit has not been in use for some years,being partly filled with water, and the men had been down inspecting its condition, when, just as they were gaining the surface, the rope broke, and they, with the cage in which they were ascending, were precipitated to the bottom, a depth of 80 fathoms to the surface of the water, which occupies 33 or 34 fathoms. The rope was in a shocking state – corroded in many places deeply with rust, and full of faults in the strands. Previous to the men going down, it had been tested with 5 or 6 cwt., in five bars of pig iron, and was considered safe by the men themselves, who ought to have been competent judges. In the evening the bodies were recovered by means of grappling irons and brought to the surface, chiefly through the exertions of two brave fellows named James Condie and John Darglas. They volunteered their services to go down in a kettle with grappling irons, but without success, until after four or five spells, when they took shift about going down alternately, each accompanied by one of the bystanders. At length about half past seven in the evening Condie got Hunter's body, and little more than two hours after Darglas succeeded in gripping and bringing the other one to the surface. Both bodies were much mangled and crushed, especially about the legs, which were broken, and it has been thought that the impetus they acquired in falling such a distance had been sufficient to carry them through the bottom of the cage, which was more than half rotten, as soon as it reached the water. It is very generally supposed that the cage must have, to a certain extent jammed in the guides when near the surface, and so brought a great pressure on the “tow” than in its rotten condition it was able to sustain. Deceased have each left widows with large families to mourn their loss. [Hamilton Advertiser March 22 1862]

25 March 1862

Coatbridge March 26 – Yesterday a collier named Duncan Paterson, residing at Mud Row, Fullerton, near Broomhouse, while employed in No 2 Coal Pit Bogleshole, got his right thigh bone broken by a fall of stones from the roof. Dr Robert Stewart, Tollcross attended. [Herald 27 March 1862]

12 April 1862

Coatbridge April 14 - Pit Accident – On Saturday John Connor, drawer, 18 years of age, while employed in one of the pits at Nackerty Colliery, near Baillieston, got himself severely injured about the body, and also his right arm fractured, by being jammed between 2 hutches and the side of the road. It appears that on reaching the top of an incline, the wheels had not been “snibbled” and they went off the road, and he was jammed against the side. Dr Wallace, of Baillieston attended [Herald 15 April 1862]

10 June 1862

Coatbridge June 11 – Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday at midday, Gilbert McKay, aged 14 years, pony driver, residing at Whifflet, was killed in No 11 Coal Pit, Rosehall Colliery, belonging to Langloan Ironworks. It appears that no one saw how the accident occurred; but it is supposed that while McKay was driving his pony forward with some loaded hutches, he had put his foot on the tail chain by which the pony was drawing the hutches, and in doing so had tripped and fallen forward, when the wheels of the first hutch passed over his head and killed him on the spot. Dr Stewart was in attendance when the body was taken home to his parents, but the doctors services were not required. [Herald June 12 1862]

19 June 1862

Coatbridge June 19 – Fatal Pit Accident – Today an accident occurred in No 1 Pit, Kirkwood Colliery, belonging to John Hendrie Esq., whereby Alexander Nelson, bottomer, was instantly killed. It appears that Nelson was in the act of stooping over a loaded hutch which he was putting right on the cage to make it ready for ascent, when, from some cause not yet ascertained, the engine at the top of the pithead was set in motion, lifted up the cage, and jammed him at the doorheads, killing him on the spot . [Herald June 20 1862]

14 July 1862

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – John Dalrymple, miner, a young lad residing in Langloan, met with an accident on Monday in No 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery. It appears that while preparing to take out a piece of ironstone at the working face, a stone fell from the roof upon his legs and knees whereby they were severely crushed; he was taken home in a cart and promptly attended to. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser July 19 1862]

15 July 1862

Coatbridge - Fatal Pit Accident – About half past two o'clock on Tuesday, another accident occurred in No 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, whereby Robert M'Alpine, underground oversman, about 24 years of age, was killed on the spot. It appears that another oversman named John Brown, along with M'Alpine, went down the pit to inspect the shaft. After doing so they had both got onto the cage, and given the signal to be hoisted up, when some loose stones fell down the shaft, and M'Alpine, fearing danger, attempted to jump off the cage, which was then in motion. He was caught at the “door-head” and crushed to death. Deceased has left a widow and one child to mourn the loss of a husband and father. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser July 19 1862]

14 February 1863

Coatbridge – Pit Accidents – On Saturday morning two brushers named respectively James M'Keown and Michael Docherty, the former residing and New Carnbroe and the latter at Brewsterford, Calder, while engaged at their usual avocation in brushing the roads in No 8 coal pit, Old Carnbroe, and when in the act of putting in some prop wood, a portion of the binding fell down upon them, by which M'Keown got his right leg broken in two places above the ankle joint and his body otherwise severely bruised. He was sent off to the Glasgow Infirmary. Docherty escaped with some bruises about the body, as he managed to crawl out from the debris, and go for assistance to relieve his companion. - On the same day a drawer named John Hastings, residing in Bell Street, Airdrie, while employed in No 10 coal pits, Rosehall, and in the act of filling a hutch near to the face of the workings, a fall of stones came down from the roof, bruising him severely about the right side and thigh. He was conveyed home and attended to. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 February 1863]

March 1863

Coatbridge – Accident From Fire Damp – Allen M'Kendrick, collier, Auchterlony, was burned on the face and right arm by an explosion of firedamp in No 2 Coalpit Heatheryknowe, on Monday last. M'Kendrick was fireman at the pit, and the accident was caused by his own want of caution in taking an unprotected lamp with him while inspecting the workings in the execution of his duty. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 March 1863]

7 June 1864

Pit Accident – On Tuesday, David Robertson, miner, Chapel Street, Airdrie, was very seriously injured by a fall of ironstone from the roof of No 9 Ironstone Pit, Rosehall, where he was working. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 June 1864]

30 September 1864

Coatbridge - Fatal Accident - On Friday morning, Alexander Underwood, a pumper, between 50 and 60 years of age, was killed in No 5 coal and ironstone pit, Rosehall. Underwood, who was below, wished to come to the surface, and warned the engineman in the usual way. In rashly attempting to step on the cage after it had been set in motion, he was caught between it and the “crosshead” and killed on the spot. [Hamilton Advertiser 8 October 1864]

4 January 1866

Coatbridge – Serious Accident At Provanhall Colliery – A very serious accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in a pit situated close on the banks of the Monkland Canal, belonging to the Provanhall Coal Company, whereby one man was dashed to the bottom of the shaft and other two narrowly escaped the same fate. [Hamilton Advertiser 6 January 1866]

14 February 1866

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident – On Wednesday morning a boy named Wotherspoon, residing at Heatheryknowe, fell down the pit at that place and was killed. It appears that the cage had been elevated above the pitmouth, which in the darkness the boy had not seen, and run the hutch forward, which dragged him along with it. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 February 1866]

21 March 1866

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – On Wednesday forenoon, John Gormley, collier, residing in Whifflat was severely injured by a fall of stones from the roof of a mine in No 5 Pit, Rosehill Colliery, belonging to Robert Addie, Esq., Langloan Iron Works. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 March 1866]

23 April 1866

Coatbridge – Accidents – On Monday last a collier named James Thomson met with an accident in No 2 Open Cast Pit Gartsherrie, the property of Messrs Baird & Co., which terminated fatally. While engaged taking down some wooden props a large stone fell from the roof of the workings and struck the unfortunate man, felling him to the ground, and injuring him so severely that he died about half an hour afterwards. - On the same day, about 9 o'clock in the morning, a lad named Edward Shearer was found dead in No 2 Coal Pit, Unthank in the parish of Bothwell under peculiar circumstances. He was lying on the tramway which leads to the shank of the pit, and the wheel of a hutch run close up to his neck. It is not known how the accident occurred, although he was seen about ten minutes previously by one of the colliers who was working a short distance from the spot. His duty was to draw the hutches to the shaft, and it is supposed he had fallen in endeavouring to start one of them, and that the wheel coming upon his neck had choked him before he could extricate himself. There were no apparent marks of injury upon his person. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 April 1866]

7 May 1866

Coatbridge – Explosion In A Pit – On Monday morning, Robert Gallacher, collier, residing in Baillieston, was severely burned about the face and arms by an explosion of firedamp in No 1 coal pit Drumpark, belonging to James M'Kenzie, Esq., of Glasgow. It appears that Gallacher, along with two others, are driving a mine to connect two pits, viz., No 1 and No. 2, and the places being fiery they were supplied with safety lamps. Gallacher, however, contrary to orders, lighted his pipe and the explosion followed immediately after. [Hamilton Advertiser 12 May 1866]

12 June 1866

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident – On Tuesday evening a carter named Donald Cameron was killed at Kirkwood Colliery. He had been sitting on the front of a waggon, and had jumped off, when something caught his foot, and he fell across the rails. The waggons coming up, the wheels dragged him along several yards, passing over his chest and mangling the body fearfully. Death was instantaneous. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 June 1866]

11 June 1866

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – On Monday, a collier, named Bernard Kane, residing in Maryston, while working in the tunnel pit Drumpeller, belonging to Messrs Henderson and Dimmack, got his right leg severely crushed in several places below the knee by a fall of coal which came down from one of the stoops. He was attended by Dr Robert Wilson, who ordered his removal to Glasgow Infirmary, where the leg was amputated. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 June 1866]

30 January 1867

Two Men Buried Alive - A melancholy and fatal accident occurred on Tuesday evening in No. 1 pit , Souterhouse Colliery , near Baillieston About three o’clock in the afternoon; two young men, named David Martin, collier, and James Murphy , drawer, were engaged in working at the coal face , when two large masses of stone were detached from the roof, and came down upon them , and so hemmed them in that escape was impossible. It was not till seven o’clock, four hours after the accident , that they were discovered. The two men were then relieved and carried home. So severe , however, were the injuries sustained by Martin that he died the same evening. Murphy is still alive, and is in a fair way of recovering. [Scotsman 1 February 1867]

6 July 1867

Coatbridge – Fatal Pit Accident – An accident, attended with fatal results, occurred on Saturday in No 3 Bank Pit, belonging to the Summerlee Iron Company, near Coatbridge. A sudden fall of a large stone from the roof crushed underneath it Bernard Henan, who was working at the face at the time. On being extricated he was carried home, but he only survived till Sunday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser July 13 1867]

2 November 1867

Fatal Pit Accident -On the afternoon of Saturday, a miner was killed in No 4 pit, Bogleshole, the property of the Clyde Iron Company. He had gone through an old working for the purpose of visiting a neighbour miner, and was on his way back when a stone fell upon him from the roof, crushing him to the ground, and injuring him so severely that he expired about half an hour afterwards. [Hamilton Advertiser November 9 1867]

26 November 1867

On Thursday last, a fatal accident occurred at the Drumpark Coal Pit, Bargeddie, by which James White, aged 18 years, son of Robert White, Bargeddie, lost his life. Deceased was descending in the cage, along with two of his fellow workmen, when by some means he lost hold of the cage frame, and, falling out, was precipitated to the bottom of the pit, and killed on the spot. [Scotsman 30 November 1867]

13 February 1868

Accident – On Thursday Stewart Lewis, aged 14 years, residing with his father at No 1 Back Row, Rosehall, got his arm broken above the elbow, and sustained some injuries about the back. It appears that he was employed as a drawer in No 9 Pit, Rosehall, and was putting in the pin attaching some empty hutches to a wire rope when a piece of stone fell from the roof and rung the signal bell, whereupon the hutches were put in motion, jamming Lewis against a trap door till the rope gave way and he was liberated. [Herald 15 February 1868]

6 July 1870

Fatal Accident – Thomas Baird, a collier, residing at Woodhall, who was severely burned by an explosion of fire-damp in Garden pit, Woodhall on Friday last, died on Wednesday from the effects of the injuries. [Hamilton Advertiser July 9 1870]

Holytown – Explosion of Fire Damp – On Friday an explosion of fire damp took place in Garden Coal Pit, Woodhall, near Holytown, by which a man named Thomas Baird, got himself very severely injured. It is stated that Baird had broke his pick shaft, and was proceeding through a portion of the workings where a board had been put up warning the men against fire. Notwithstanding this, however, the man persisted in going into the place with a naked lamp. He had not proceeded far when an explosion took place and the poor fellow was picked up in a very serious condition, having been burned on the face, breast and arms. Dr O'Hea, Airdrie, attended. [Hamilton Advertiser 9 July 1870]

6 July 1870

Pit Accident – On Wednesday last, Hugh Crichton, a collier residing at Rosehall, was severely injured while engaged at work in No 9 coal pit, Rosehall. He was proceeding along the workings when he was jammed between two hutches which were coming in opposite direction. He was severely bruised and several of his ribs were broken. [Hamilton Advertiser July 9 1870]

20 September 1870

Fatal Pit Accident – About 9 o'clock on Tuesday morning, Peter Thomson, oversman, Blair Bridge, was accidentally killed in No 4 Coal Pit, Drumpellier Ironworks. Deceased was ascending the pit in the cage, and when 106 fathoms from the bottom, the winding rope broke, and the unfortunate man was precipitated to the bottom and killed. His body was frightfully mangled. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 September 1870]

26 September 1870

Baillieston – Fatal Explosion of Fire Damp – On Monday morning a man named Joseph Gillespie, died from the effects of an accident which he met with in No 2 Coal pit, Calderbank, near Baillieston, on Saturday last. Gillespie, who resides in Baillieston, was proceeding to his work with a lighted lamp on the morning stated, when an explosion of firedamp took place, and he was thrown down and severely burned about the face, arms and body. Every available means was used to alleviate the suffering of the poor man, but after lingering in agony he expired, as above stated, on Monday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser 1 October 1870]

2 November 1870

Coatbridge – Accident – On Tuesday last, a miner named John Graham, belonging to Gartsherrie, sustained severe injuries by being dragged underneath a loaded hutch with which he had got entangled. His shoulders were severely bruised, and the skin of his breast tore off. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 November 1870]

2 November 1870

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident – At No 1 Bank Pit, Summerlee, on Tuesday forenoon, Thomas M'Guinnie was accidentally killed through the falling of a large quantity of coal under which he had been excavating. He leaves a widow and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 November 1870]

3 November 1870

Baillieston – Pit Accident - On Wednesday forenoon as a number of men were working in a blind pit shaft at one of the Provanhill Company's pits at Nackerty, near Uddingston, the scaffolding on which they stood gave way and one of them, named Alex Wotherspoon, fell therefrom, a depth of fully 8 fathoms, and was very much injured. The shaft in which the men were engaged for boring purposes, is fully that height above the level of the pit, and the scaffolding gave way so suddenly that the men had hardly time to see what was happening. Wotherspoon fell upon the hard bottom. There was also much rubble lying near, on which he fell, and it is feared that the spine is much injured, and some of his ribs are broken. His legs are staved and his tongue is notched, a circumstance often attending falls of that kind. He could not move a limb, and after being carefully taken up the shaft, was conveyed home to Braehead near Baillieston, where medical attendance was procured. He is a middle aged man and has a wife and family. The other men engaged with him had a very narrow escape. They saved themselves by holding on to the gearing at reach until the men in the workings below came to their assistance. We may mention that this is the same pit in which an explosion of fire damp, with fatal consequences, took place a short time ago. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 November 1870]

31 December 1870

Coatbridge - Sad Death By Falling Down a Pit - A very sad death occurred on Saturday in the Tannel Coal Pit, Drumpellier, belonging to Messrs Henderson and Dimmack. A child of Michael Dollan, collier, Dundyvan, was taken down the pit, it being the belief in the district that whooping cough can be cured by the air of a coal pit. One of the party, a boy, 10 years of age, named John Dolan, having gone away in search of a drink of water, went towards the shaft. The party was on one of the upper levels, and the boy, not having observed the shaft, fell to the bottom of the pit, about 20 fathoms. He was killed instantaneously, his head being very much injured. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 January 1871]

March 1871

Pit Accidents At Rosehall – Martin Rooney, a collier residing at Rosehall met with an accident while at work in No 12 coal pit there on Thursday 23rd ult. He was engaged at his usual work when a fall of stones took place, bruising him very severely about various parts of his body. - On Monday an explosion of fire damp took place in No 10 coal and ironstone pit, Rosehall, whereby a miner named Hugh Richardson was bruised in a serious manner. He had gone out to his work at 6 o'clock, and had worked for about two hours before the accident took place. The explosion occurred while he was working at the “face” and the unfortunate man was thrown down and burned severely. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 1 April 1871]

27 March 1871

Baillieston – Serious Pit Accident – A young lad named Francis Williamson, about 15 years of age, met with a serious accident on Monday, while at work in No 1 coal pit Heatheryknowe. The poor boy was employed as a drawer in the pit, and while pursuing his ordinary avocation, a heavy fall of coal took place and he was buried beneath the mass and frightfully crushed. When rescued, it was found that besides other injuries, both his legs were broken, the left one in two places. He was removed and attended by Dr Wills, Baillieston. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 1 April 1871]

28 March 1871

Baillieston – Fatal Coal Pit Accident – On Tuesday morning, about 8 o'clock, a fatal accident occurred in No 9 pit, Mount Vernon Colliery, belonging to Mr John Young, Easterhouse near Baillieston, which resulted in the death of a miner named Robert Park, seventeen years of age, son of John Park, Shettleston. While Park was working at a coal facing, a large piece of coal fell upon him, and his head was so dreadfully crushed that death was instantaneous. His father was working in the pit at the time of the occurrence, which is said to have been purely accidental. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 1 April 1871]

24 May 1871

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident - Yesterday , a collier named James Wallace, residing at Langloan, Coatbridge , was instantaneously killed in No. 3 coal-pit , Kirkwood colliery, belonging to Mr John Hendrie. Wallace, along with several other miners, was engaged in bringing down a mass of coal from the root of the workings. All the supports had been removed, and the men were waiting the fall of the coal, when Wallace sprang forward to save a tin flask which was lying below the coal that was to be brought down. At that moment the mass fell upon him, burying him beneath it, and crushing him to death on the spot. [Scotsman 25 May 1871]

18 July 1871

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – On Tuesday, a miner named Robert Scott was severely injured in No 2 coal pit, Kirkwood Colliery, Coatbridge, by the fall of a quantity of coal from the roof. His right leg was broken above the knee. [Scotsman 20 July 1871]

3 February 1872

Baillieston – Serious Pit Accident – About 3 o'clock on Saturday morning, two colliers, John Ramsay and David Archibald, got themselves severely injured in No 2 Pit Bogleshole. The men had gone up from the bottom of the shaft in a “kettle” suspended from the cage to make some repairs in the shaft, when the chain broke, and they were precipitated to the bottom. Ramsay sustained a compound fracture of his thigh bone, so serious that he was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and had the injured limb amputated. Archibald's injuries, though not so dangerous as those of his companion, were nevertheless very severe, his left arm being broken and his back and legs much bruised. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 10 February 1872]

6 February 1872

Gartsherrie – Melancholy Pit Accident – Two Men Killed – On Monday forenoon a melancholy accident occurred at No 1 Coal Pit, Gartsherrie, by which two men came to a painful death. The men were all busy at their work as usual, and the pithead man – Thomas Greig, who is said to have been a very steady man – was superintending the drawing of the coals from the pit. About 11 o'clock a crash was heard, and it was discovered that the guides of one of the cages had given way. Greig, along with a labouring lad named Ferris, at once prepared to descend the shaft to obtain the assistance of the roadsman for the repair of the guides. They had descended almost to the bottom of the shaft when the whole of the heavy planting at the top of the shaft to which the guides are fastened gave way and fell upon their heads with a terrible crash, breaking through the roof of the cage and killing the men on the spot. The bodies of the unfortunate victims presented a frightful appearance, the head of one of them being entirely separated from the body, while the other had his skull torn off, and the head otherwise badly mutilated. Dr Farquharson, was promptly on the spot, but of course could give no assistance beyond dressing the bodies of the unfortunate men previous to internment. Greig the pitheadman was about 50 years of age, and has left a widow and six of a family, but Ferris was only about 20 years of age, and unmarried. Much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 10 February 1872]

9 January 1874

Baillieston – Fatal Pit Accident – A young man named George Davies was on Friday last killed in the coal pit at Heatheryknowe, and another narrowly escaped a similar fate. Davies was employed as a drawer in the pit and was bringing a hutch of coal along a road to the shaft in one of the upper coal seams, when first the hutch and then he himself were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft – a distance of 42 fathoms. Another drawer who came shortly after Davies, and, like him, never thought that the shaft was near, suddenly felt the hutch elude his grasp. In the case of Davies death was instantaneous, and as the other hutch fell on top of him he was mutilated. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 January 1874]

Glasgow Circuit Court - The Court resumed its sitting yesterday morning. - Alleged Culpable Murder - John Ramsay, fireman or overman, residing at Cuilhill , Old Monkland, was charged with the crime of culpable homicide, as also culpable violation or neglect of duty. The indictment set forth that the prisoner was employed as overman in No. 2 pit, Heatheryknowe colliery, Old Monkland, and his duty was to keep safe and efficient the shaft and relative fittings of the pit; that on the 8th and 9th January last he permitted the entrance from the shaft to the splint coal workings, being 42 fathoms from the bottom of the shaft, to remain unfenced. In consequence of the alleged neglect, George Davies, a drawer, who was engaged drawing a loaded hutch to the entrance of the workings, fell down the shaft, a distance of 42 fathoms, whereby his skull was fractured, and both his legs broken, and he was otherwise so severely injured that he soon after died. The accused pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr M'Kechnie.

William Brennan , drawer remembered seeing George Davies on the 9th January in the pit. When Davies and witness were pulling their hutches to the lye there was no light, and their lamps went out. The deceased's hutch fell down the shaft in consequence of a fence known as "a policeman" not being on. Had the fence been on his hutch could not have tumbled down the shaft.

By Mr M'Kechnie - Witness and the deceased commenced work before the bottomer or fireman were present that morning. If they had waited for the bottomer witness did not think Davies would have tumbled down the shaft. Thomas Johnstone, drawer ; Thomas Culley, collier ; and Patrick Farrell, drawer, spoke as to the fence having been off for some weeks previous to the accident. Dennis Cairns, bottomer, in answer to Mr M'Kechnie, said the miners had no right to commence work when the bottomer was not present. He was not supplied with a copy of the rules until after the accident occurred, but the rules were hung up at the pithead, although he never read them. Lindsay Smith, miner, deponed to acting as bottomer on the morning of Davies' death. He was acting as bottomer about two mouths previously when the fence got out of order, and was taken off. By Mr M'Kechnie - Witness lifted up the fence when it fell down, and put it at the side of the road. It was his duty to report to the manager or overman that the fence had been removed by him, but he did not do so.

By the Advocate-Depute - He spoke to Dennis Cairns, the regular bottomer, about the fence, and Cairns told witness he spoke to Ramsay about it, A number of other witnesses were examined for the prosecution. The prisoner in his declaration said he did not consider it his duty to see that the fences were on the shaft. For the defence Thos. Gibb, formerly manager of Heatheryknowe Pit, deponed that he did not think the person in charge of the shaft had anything to do with the fences or " policemen " at the entrance of the seam. George M'Raith deponed that he was a mining engineer , and had been manager of a mine for more than three years. He did not think the shaftsman had anything to do with the fences at the end of the seams. If a bottomer had been appointed when the fence was taken away, he did not think it possible that any accident such as the one that befel Davies could have occurred, Malcolm M'Farlane, underground mine manager, gave somewhat similar evidence. Other witnesses were examined, but there was little of importance in their evidence. His lordship, in summing up, said he thought the particular work at which the panel was engaged had not been satisfactorily managed. There ought to have been, in his opinion, a far clearer division of labour , and a proper overman really in the position of underground manager. He left these things for the jury's consideration. In his opinion they tended to diminish the blame attaching to the accused, if not to take it away. The jury, after a, short absence from court returned a verdict by a majority, finding the panel not guilty. The verdict was received with applause. [Scotsman 28 April 1874]

19 January 1874

A shocking incident resulting in the instant death of three men took place on Monday, in No 10 coalpit, Rosehall, Airdrie, belonging to Messrs Robert Addie & Sons, Langloan. Three colliers, named Peter Duffy, Alexander Mays, and a son of the latter named Robt. Mays, were employed at work excavating coal, when a large quantity of coal and rubbish, weighing fully three tons, fell from the roof upon them, completely burying them. When extricated, it was found that life was extinct in all three cases, their bodies being dreadfully crushed and mangled. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 January 1874]

1 July 1874

Shocking Pit Accident – Two colliers, residing in Gartsherrie, named respectively John Gillespie and William Forsyth, were on Wednesday afternoon accidentally killed in No 3 coal pit, belonging to Messrs Wm Baird & Co. The deceased were at work removing the “stoops” left in the working of the coal, when a large portion of the roof came down on them, burying them. Death was, of course, instantaneous. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 July 1874]

17 July 1875

Fatal Firedamp Explosion at Coatbridge – Three Men Killed - An explosion of firedamp occurred in No. 4 pit, Drumpellier, Coatbridge, on Friday, by which three men - Charles Richardson, oversman, aged 21; John Richardson, fireman, 23; and Arthur Moffat, roadsman, 24 - lost their lives, and another man, James Gillespie, was seriously injured. It seems that the unfortunate men were engaged building up an air-course wall, about 150 fathoms from the mine, between the splint and the kiltongue coal, and were removing a wooden bratticing and putting up a brick one to make it more secure. Another workman in the pit came to the pithead about half-past one and informed the manager, Mr Russell, that he was afraid something serious had happened below. The manager, along with some other workmen, immediately descended the shaft, and at the bottom found that a fire-damp explosion had occurred. After exploring the mine they came upon Gillespie, being in a very .exhausted, state, and was at once removed home to his residence. After much difficulty Moffat and the brothers Richardson were taken out from amongst the debris when it was found that they were quite dead. Their dead bodies were immediately conveyed home. The three unfortunate men all leave wives and families to mourn their untimely end. It appears that the manager warned them no later than Thursday afternoon not to go to their work. [Scotsman 19 July 1875]

9 March 1876

Coatbridge Pit Accident - Two men named James Wright and Henry Tappin were on Thursday severely burned while at work in No 3 Pit, Rosehall. They were making some repairs in an air course, and were carrying naked lamps, when a quantity of fire damp exploded burning them severely. [Herald March 11 1876]

30 August 1876

Yesterday afternoon a fatal accident occurred in Mainhill Pit, Bargeddie, near Coatbridge. It was stated that the contractor until William Baird & Co, to whom the pit belongs, accompanied by William Stevenson, mining engineer, had been engaged measuring the work done for the month, previous to the settlement, when a violent explosion took place. The onlays would appear to have been charged with fire damp, and as the men used naked lamps, an explosion of a violent nature resulted. When the men, employed in some distant working, alarmed by the explosion, arrived at the spot, they found Stevenson under a mass of stones torn from the roof, one of his arms being fractured in three places, and quite dead from the effects of after damp. The contractor, who was further along the mine, was also in a deplorable condition, and very little hopes are entertained of his recovery. The utmost sympathy is expressed for Stevensons family, as he was a young man of considerable ability, and had the supervision of the famous “Gartsherrie Coal-Cutting Machine”. Many a visitor to the “steam colliers” of Gartsherrie will learn with regret of the melancholy and untimely death of William Stevenson, the talented but unpretending mining engineer. [Herald 31st August 1876]

2 December 1876

Fatal Accident At Kirkwood - On Saturday morning, an accident occurred at Kirkwood No 2 coal pit, resulting in the death of a man named John Fairman. Fairman was engaged working at his place at three o'clock in the morning when a fall came away from the roof, and a large stone crushed the poor fellow to the ground, killing him on the spot. [Glasgow Herald 4 December 1876 ]

24 July 1879

Fatal firedamp Explosion at Coatbridge - Early on Thursday morning a miner named John Thomson, residing in Dundyvan Rd Coatbridge, was accidentally killed by an explosion of firedamp in No 5 Coalpit, Drumpellier, belonging to Messrs Henderson & Dimmock, coal and iron masters. It appears that the deceased, along with another fireman named James Irvine, residing in Buchanan Street, Coatbridge, had gone down the pit for the purpose of seeing if it was free of firedamp previous to the miners commencing work. The two men separated at the pit bottom, each taking a different direction, and shortly afterwards Irvine heard the report of the explosion when, it is believed, Thomson lost his life. Both men carried a Davy and naked lamp. [Hamilton Advertiser July 26 1879]

1 November 1879

Edward Docherty, miner, has been killed at Kirkwood Colliery, by a fall of the roof upon him when removing stoops from a working. [Scotsman 4 November 1879]

7 March 1882

Fatal Pit Accident Near Baillieston - A fatal accident occurred on Tuesday at No 1 coal pit, Bartonshill Colliery, Old Monkland parish. It appears that John Owen, an oversman in the pit, residing at Bargeddie, was descending the pit in the cage. While the descent was being made the engine-keeper observed that there was something wrong in the shaft, as the rope began to jerk, and he immediately stopped his engine. The man who was in charge at the pit bottom, wondering what was wrong, shouted up the pit to know the cause, and receiving no answer he began climbing up the shaft. About 40 fathoms up he came on the cage and found Owens lying in it. He asked him what was wrong, and how he came by the accident, but received no reply. The cage was immediately brought to the surface, but Owens died about 20 minutes after. His ribs were found to be crushed, one of his arms broken, besides other injuries on various parts of his body. The accident is supposed to have happened by Owens leaning out of the cage and being caught between it and the side of the shaft, although the real cause of the accident is not known. [Scotsman 8th March 1882]

4 April 1882

Fatal Pit Accident at Nackerty - On Tuesday morning, John Donaldson, a labourer, aged about 40, residing at the village of Nackerty, in the parish of Old Monkland, met with an accident by which he was instantaneously killed. He had been engaged in pushing a loaded hutch along the gangway to “skree,” and apparently put too much force on, as when he attempted to check he failed, and was dragged over the gangway, a distance of over 13 feet. Falling upon his head, his neck was dislocated, and he was killed on the spot. The body was removed to the lodgings of the deceased. [Scotsman 6 April 1882]

14 June 1882

Fatal Pit Accident Near Coatbridge - Yesterday morning a report was handed in to the county police authorities at Airdrie stating that an accident had occurred at Summerlee (Kirkwood) Coal pit, whereby Neil M’Mullen, a labourer, was so severely injured that he has since died. He was engaged in sending some loaded wagons down an incline, when he somehow got jammed between the buffers, which became locked, and he was fixed for some time. When released he complained of being very much hurt about the back and breast, and was conveyed home in a cab. Dr Wilson attended him, but he died afterwards of the injuries received. [Scotsman 20 June 1882]

23rd August 1882

Fatal Colliery Accident Near Baillieston - Yesterday, at No.l pit, Netherhouse colliery, near Baillieston, a collier, named Adam Steen, residing at West Merryston was killed. He was working in the Kiltongue seam of the pit, when a large mass of stone, weighing about two tons, came away suddenly from the roof, burying the unfortunate man beneath it. Some fellow workmen who saw the accident got Steen extricated as quickly as possible; but the man had been killed on the spot. [Scotsman 24th August 1882]

August 1882

Coatbridge – Serious Pit Accident at Kirkwood - Information was on Saturday lodged with the county police at Airdrie of an accident which had occurred in No. 3 Newlands pit. Bernard Polland, a drawer, 16 years of age, had been swinging on a stick which had got jammed in a stone, when the stone loosened and fell on him, breaking his left leg above the knee. [Scotsman 28 August 1882]

4 April 1884

Coatbridge – Man Killed At Drumpellier Colliery – On Thursday last week, when a collier named John Ruse was engaged at his usual occupation in No 3 Pit Drumpellier, a heavy fall of coal came away from the roof, smashing him underneath. His son-in-law, who was working with him, attempted to extricate him, but unsuccessfully, till assistance arrived. A medical man was sent for, but the poor fellow lived only a few minutes after being released. He leaves a wife and grown-up family.[Hamilton Advertiser 12 April 1884]

Airdrie – Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday morning an elderly miner, named John Rouse, who resided at Drumpellier, was killed by a fall of coal from the roof of No 3 and 4 coal pit, Drumpellier. Some time elapsed before he could be extricated, and he expired before he reached the pithead. [Edinburgh Courant 9 April 1884]

26 June 1884

Fatal Pit Accident Near Baillieston - Yesterday morning the brushers foreman of a large section of the Provanhall Coal Company's Newlands Pit, near Baillieston, was, after a search found choked or crushed to death in what is called an air-course. He had apportioned all his men their work on Wednesday night, and evidently had gone to inspect the airway. He leaves a wife and family and was much respected. [Edinburgh Courant 27 June 1884]

5 September 1885

Baillieston - Explosion of Fire Damp – Two Men Severely Burned – An explosion of fire-damp occurred on Saturday in an old working near the top bench of No 3 Heatheryknowe Coalpit, belonging to Messrs James M'Naughton & Son. Two men who were at work in the place at the time were very severely burned all over the body. Their names are James Haddow and Andrew Robertson, residing at Cuilhill and West Maryston respectively. Haddow had entered the disused portion of the pit with a naked lamp, which caused the accident. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser September 12 1885]

5 September 1885

Young Lad Crushed To Death – James Lawrie, 16, residing at Bank Row, Clyde Square, Parish of Old Monkland, met his death by an accident at No 2 Ryan Pit, Clyde Works, the property of James Dunlop & Co., on Saturday. He had been engaged filling a waggon with ashes, and had somehow got in between two trucks, when he was accidentally caught between the buffers and very severely crushed. The poor fellow immediately dropped down. On being asked by one of his fellow workmen if he was much hurt, he merely said - “Jock, I'm done for,” and expired. Dr Scott, Tollcross, was at once sent for, and he stated that the injuries sustained internally were such as to have caused instantaneous death. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser September 12 1885]

9 September 1885

Baillieston – Pit Accident At Ellismuir – On Wednesday an accident occurred at No 3 coalpit Ellismuir, whereby a drawer named Wm Campbell, residing at Hogg's Land, Baillieston, got his right leg broken. He had been standing in the main road in Cousie Brae in front of five empty hutches, when a loaded hutch at the head of the incline came down. In hurrying to get out of the way Campbell got entangled with the wire rope and fell, the hutch passing over his leg and breaking it. Dr Willis was in attendance, and ordered the removal of Campbell to the Royal Infirmary. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser September 12 1885]

2 November 1885

Baillieston – Sad Pit Accident – Two Men Killed – About 9 o'clock on Monday night, a sad accident occurred in the shank of No 2 coal pit Ellismuir, near Baillieston, the property of the Provanhall Coal Company, two men named Michael O'Keefe, 40 and Nicol Morris, 34 , both pit sinkers, residing at Crosshill, Baillieston, having lost their lives. It appears the shaft of the pit was in course of enlargement and the two men named were employed at this upon a scaffold fixed on the shaft. They were working with picks cutting the side of the shaft, when, through some unforeseen circumstance, a heavy fall of stones and rubbish came down on top of them. The result was that the scaffold broke away with the two men who were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft, a depth of 70 fathoms, where they were afterwards found lying half buried among the debris, very severely mangled and bruised. It is stated that the wood of the scaffold was quite fresh when broken, so the force of the falling debris must have been considerable. The bodies of the unfortunate men were removed home early next morning in coffins, and were seen by Dr Willis Baillieston. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser November 7 1885]

22 March 1886

Man Killed in Coal Pit – On Monday afternoon, a miner named John Morgan (30) residing at Merryston Square, Coatbridge, was killed in Drumpellier Coal Pit (No 4). he had been working at the “face” when a stone, weighing 15cwt., fell upon him from the roof and crushed him to death. He leaves a widow and two young children. [Hamilton Advertiser March 27 1886]

5 June 1886

Pit Accident – On Saturday Robert Kearney, 70, collier, residing at Front Row, Rosehall, was seriously injured while working at the “face” in the Pyotshaw seam of coal, No 10 Pit, Rosehall. A large quantity of rubbish came down upon him from the roof, his right shoulder being dislocated, and the bone broken and pressed into his body. He also sustained severe internal injuries. Fortunately, Mr Smith the colliery manager, was at hand, and from his ambulance training had the man very efficiently attended to before the arrival of Dr McPhail, who afterwards examined the injuries and ordered the removal of the sufferer to the Royal Infirmary.[Hamilton Advertiser June 12 1886]

July 1886

Pit Accident - A lad named Bernard McIlinden, residing in Rosehall, Whifflet, had his legs severely crushed and his thigh bone broken by tumbling off a train of hutches running along the workings of No 4 Rosehall Pit. [Hamilton Advertiser July 17 1886]

31 August 1886

Fatal Boiler Explosion – On Tuesday afternoon a fatal boiler explosion occurred at Kirkwood Colliery near Coatbridge. Shortly after 12 o'clock the workmen of the colliery were alarmed by a loud report and a sudden and violent rush of steam. When this had cleared away it was discovered that the boiler at No 1 pit had exploded and had been rent in twain, one half rising in the air and crashing through the smithy, over 60 yards distant, killing one man named Wm. Gibson on the spot and injuring three others. Gibson was a young man and only recently married. [Hamilton Advertiser September 4 1886]

31 December 1886

Fatal Accident – While a boy named David Hogg or Geekie, residing at Dykeside, Coatbridge, was driving a pony with a train of hutches in Scrawhill Pit on Friday, he fell off the front of the first hutch, and was run over. He appeared, when discovered, to have been instantaneously killed. [Hamilton Advertiser January 1 1887]

18 July 1887

Coatbridge – Suicide of an Engineman – On Monday night, Robert Waddell, 70, engineman, Luggiebank, committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope from the rafters in the enginehouse at No 5 pit, Braehead, Old Monkland, near Coatbridge [Hamilton Advertiser July 23 1887]

21 February 1888

Fall From A Pithead At Coatbridge - Yesterday the authorities were informed that a lad named Andrew Hunter , residing at Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, had fallen from the top of the pithead at No. 1 Souterhouse colliery, and alighted on the iron plates below - a fall of 11 feet. He received severe injuries , among which was the fracture of his right thigh bone. He was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 22 February 1888]

March 1888

On Saturday the authorities at Airdrie were apprised of the occurrence of three somewhat serious accidents.....Edward Quin, miner, Baillieston, was burned by an explosion of fire-damp in an old disused road of No. 1 pit Springhill colliery. [Scotsman 12 March 1888]

19 May 1888

John Paterson, miner, Crosshill, Baillieston, has been killed by a fall of coal from the roof of No 2 pit, Aitkenhead Colliery (Provanhall Coal Company's), near Baillieston. [Scotsman 22 May 1888]

June 1888

Pit Accidents Near Coatbridge - Yesterday a married man, named Francis Degnon, Tannochside Rows, was so severely injured by a fall of stone from the roof of No. 2 Ford pit, that he died after being brought up the shaft. Yesterday morning, a lad about 16 named Archibald Burns, met his death in a pit between Broomhouse and Baillieston. While at work he had occasion to cross what is called a "blind shaft," which was covered with sleepers; but his foot slipped, and he fell a distance of fifteen fathoms. When rescued he was so terribly injured that he expired before he could be got to the pit bank. Joseph Haggart, a young miner, belonging to Cuilhill, got himself very seriously injured internally, his back bruised, and his thigh bone fractured, by an accident in Heathery Known Pit, [Scotsman 14 June 1888]

15 June 1888

Two Miners Seriously Injured - Yesterday it was reported that two men named David Adamson (35), a collier, residing in Coathill Street, and Alexander Flanigan (30), collier, Rosehall, had been badly injured in Rosehall colliery by falls from the roof. One of Adamson's legs had to be amputated. [Scotsman 16 June 1888]

20 December 1888

Yesterday John Davis, a fireman, residing at Nackerty, was killed by a fall from the roof in No 3 pit, Aitkenhead Colliery, near Coatbridge. [Scotsman 21 December 1888]

13 October 1891

Miner Killed - Yesterday it was reported by the authorities that a pit drawer named Charles M'Kay (24), residing in Kirkwood, had been killed in No. 1 pit of the Kirkwood Coal Company. The check prop had got out and let a rake of seven hutches run back into a side lye where M'Kay was at work, the result being that the unfortunate man was jammed up between the loaded hutches and the wall and crushed to death. [Scotsman 15 October 1891]

9 April 1895

Miner Killed At Baillieston – A miner named Robert Leitchman (32), residing at Baird's Row, Cuilhill, was killed while at work in Hallhill Colliery, Baillieston, about 15 cwt of stone &c., having fallen upon him from the roof. [Scotsman 12 April 1895]

27 April 1895

Pit Oversman Killed - A serious accident has occurred in No. 1 Pit, Bredisholm colliery, belonging to the Glasgow Iron and Steel Company, whereby Robert Paterson (55), oversman, was killed , and another man, named John Noon, had a narrow escape. The oversman had broken up with dynamite a large stone that had fallen on the main. road, and was engaged with others removing the broken pieces when a heavy stone fell upon him from the roof, and also upon Noon. The latter, however, only sustained a slight injury, but Paterson was so seriously crushed that he expired on being taken to the pit head. [Scotsman 30 April 1895]

July 1895

Fatal Accident At Kirkwood - A boy named Thomas Martin Inglis, nearly twelve years old, and residing at 181 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge, was fatally injured at No 2 pit, Kirkwood colliery, where he had been with his brother's dinner. The lad had been crossing a line of railway between some waggons, when a waggon came up from the scree, and being caught between the colliding buffers, he was badly crushed at the neck and base of the skull. Death ensued in about ten minutes. [Scotsman 1 August 1895]

18 March 1897

Fatal Fall Down a Pit Shaft - Late on Thursday night a man who gave the name of John Holmes, about forty years of age, accidentally fell down the shaft of No. 2 pit, Kirkwood colliery, fifty-six fathoms deep, and was instantaneously killed. Deceased had been driving a hutch of gas coal from the bing to the cage, and not knowing that the gates were open and the cage on the top platform, the hutch went down the shaft and deceased with it. [Scotsman 20 March 1897]

3 September 1897

Fatal Mining Accident At Baillieston - A number of miners who were travelling up a " dook " in Broomhouse colliery on Saturday had a narrow escape in consequence of the haulage rope breaking. The loaded hutches ran down the incline with great velocity. Edward Cameron, a lad of seventeen, was knocked down by the first hutch, and instantly other five hutches were telescoped on the first one. Cameron was taken to the hill as soon as possible. He was found to be suffering from a crushed chest, broken ribs, and several wounds on the head. He died a few minutes after he was brought to the pit-bank. [Scotsman 6 September 1897]

17 August 1898

Pit Explosion at Rosehall – Two miners named Walter Haddow, Crossgates, and George Haddow, Hamilton Road, Bellshill, have been severely burned by an explosion in No 7 Rosehall Colliery, belonging to Robert Addie & Sons. Walter was so severely burned that he was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. [Scotsman 19 August 1898]

1 November 1898

Baillieston Miner Killed – About midnight yesterday a fatal mining accident happened in Calderbank Colliery. A brusher, named Hugh Nunn, 25 years of age, was instantaneously killed by a fall of stones from the roof. [Scotsman 3 November 1898]

17 November 1899

On Friday evening about half past seven,a fireman named Samuel McEwan (32) 118 Whifflet Street, Coatbridge was killed by falling down the shaft at No 3 Pit, Rosehall Colliery owned by Messrs Robert Addie and Sons Ltd, a distance of fourteen fathoms. It appears that they were sinking a shaft from the main to the splint coal seam. The deceased was engaged receiving and dispatching hutches at the higher seam and there was a guard drawn across the entrance to the shaft for safety. McEwan took off a hutch and drew on this guard. When he was away the guard somehow came off and when he returned, the hutch and man fell over the shaft. Before he fell over , McEwan shouted to his comrades below, warning them of the danger they ran by the falling hutch. Deceased leaves a widow and three young children. [Coatbridge Express 25 November 1899, with thanks to J Mullett for this article]