Misc. Lanarkshire Accidents 1901-1914

This section contains newspaper reports on selected accidents in miscellaneous areas of Lanarkshire between 1901 and 1914 inclusive. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for reports by the Inspector of Mines and accidents in other areas.

11 January 1901

Fatal Result of a Pit Explosion - George Wright, miner, who resided at Cragyon Place, Flemington, Motherwell, has died in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary from the effects of injuries received by an explosion in Shields Colliery, Motherwell, last Saturday. [Herald January 21 1901]

17 January 1901

Mount Vernon Pit Accident - An accident occurred yesterday afternoon in Kenmuirhill Colliery, owned by the Glasgow Coal Company, and resulted in painful injuries to a young man named Terence O'Boyle, who resided in Eastmuir, Shettleston He was at work in a section of the colliery where the hutches are hauled up a “brae” or steep gradient by means of an endless chain and here, it seems, O'Boyle was jammed between the loaded hutches on the one side and the “cuddie” on the other. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in the ambulance van. [Herald January 18 1901]

4 February 1901

Baillieston Pit Accident. - An alarming accident occurred in Lochwood Colliery, near Baillieston, yesterday afternoon, whereby a miner named William Ross, residing in Airdrie, was severely injured. It appears that Ross had been on the “brae” for an empty hutch, when some broke away and dashed down upon him. Fortunately he did not meet the full force of the runaway hutches, but, nevertheless, received a nasty scalp wound and shock. He was taken to the Alexander Hospital Coatbridge in the ambulance van. [Herald February 5 1901]

8 February 1901

Baillieston- Two Miners Injured - An alarming explosion occurred yesterday morning in the No 5 Pit Nackerty, owned by United Collieries, Limited, which resulted in severe burning injuries to a miner named Alexander Gibson, residing at Easterhouse, and another man residing at Aitkenhead Rows. They had been preparing to blast the rock or coal, when it is stated a spark from one of their lamps alighted on their gunpowder. Both were burned about the body face and arms [Herald February 9 1901]

15 April 1901

Broomhouse - Fatal Colliery Accident - On Monday at noon, William Dick, (61) miner, Garscube Road, Glasgow, was fatally injured while working at the face of the splint coal seam, situated about 500 fathoms south from the pit bottom on Daldowie Colliery, Broomhouse, belonging to the Glasgow Coal Company Ltd. He was buried by a large stone falling on him and instantaneously killed. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 20 April 1901]

3 May 1901

Fatal Colliery Accident at Cambuslang - Yesterday morning shortly after 3 o'clock a colliery accident of a shocking natured occurred at Dechmont Colliery, Cambuslang, which resulted in the death of a miner named John M'Allister, residing at Flemington, Cambuslang. The accident happened while the oncost men were ascending the shaft, which had to be under repairs during the night. The clutch which had been hanging on the rope of the winding horle snapped and the cage was brought to a sudden stop. The cage was about one fathom from the surface when the accident occurred, M'Allister being thrown from it, and falling down the shaft a distance of 180 fathoms, death must have been instantaneous. [Herald May 4 1901]

19 August 1901

Singular Cause of an Overwinding Accident – Of five fatal accidents inquired into yesterday by Sheriff Davidson and a jury, one was as regards William Craig, miner, Carfin, who met his death by falling down the shaft of No 1 pit, Linridge Colliery, Newarthill, on 19th August last. He and his father had been employed on the night shift, and when being taken up the shaft, felt that the speed was excessive. They cried to the engineman , but the cage was overwound to the whorls. The father escaped by jumping onto the pithead gearing,while the son fell down the shaft. The evidence showed that the rapid speed at which the cage ascended was due to what is technically known as “bouking” due to the rope not coiling evenly on the drum. The jury found accordingly. [Glasgow Herald October 3 1901]

23 January 1902

Motherwell – Colliery Explosion – A miner named Wm Scott was admitted to the Royal Infirmary yesterday forenoon suffering from shocking burning injuries received as the result of an explosion in the United Collieries Pit at Motherwell. Blasting operations were in progress in the mine, when Scott, it is stated, went forward with a lighted lamp with the view of igniting the fuse which exploded the charge of powder. Unknown to him, however, some fire damp appears to have collected at the spot, with the result that both powder and fire damp exploded. The concussion threw Scott to the ground and burned him in a terrible manner about the arms, chest and face, which was scarred to the bone. He lies in the Royal Infirmary in a hopeless state. A second miner named Duffy was also badly burned by the explosion, but his injuries were not so serious as to necessitate his removal to the Infirmary. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 25 January 1902]

1 February 1902

Motherwell – Pit Fireman Falls 200 Feet – On Saturday afternoon, while John Jeffrey, fireman, residing at Hamilton Place, Flemington, Motherwell, was examining the pumping gear at the Glasgow Iron & Steel Company's Parkhead Pit he overbalanced himself and fell down the shaft, a depth of 36 fathoms and was instantly killed. He leaves a widow and family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 8 February 1902]

19 February 1902

Stonehouse – Mining Fatality – A sad fatality occurred on Wednesday at Overwood Quarry, Stonehouse, belonging to Messrs Baird & Stevenson, whereby a man named Robert Whitelaw lost his life. He was employed as a brusher and while engaged clearing the road along with a man named William Govan, a large stone weighing 15 cwt, came away and killed Whitelaw almost instantaneously. Govan miraculously escaped with a few bruises on the leg. Whitelaw resided at New Street, Stonehouse, and leaves a widow and small family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 22 February 1902]

2 April 1902

On Thursday while William Meikle, miner, Gateside, Lesmahagow, was engaged working at the face in No 3 pit Bellefield Colliery Coalburn, belonging to Messrs Barr & Son, a fall of coal came a way suddenly and partly buried him. A number of men immediately went to his assistance, and extricated him from the coals, which weighed over three tons, but he only lived a few minutes, his skull having been fractured [Herald April 5 1902]

9 May 1902

Motherwell – Miner Killed – Alexander White, 27 years of age, miner, residing at Macdonald's Land, Craigneuk, Motherwell, was killed in the Virtuewell coal seam of Messrs M'Andrew & Co's No 3 Pit, Motherwell, by a fall weighing several tons coming away from the face and burying him. He was quite dead when extricated. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 17 May 1902]

14 May 1902

Cambuslang -Serious Accident – On Wednesday afternoon a serious accident occurred in Newton No 1 Colliery belonging to Messrs James Dunlop & Co. A middle aged man named Robert Wightman, residing at Pitt Street, Newton, was caught in a fall from the roof and terribly injured about the head. The unfortunate man was removed to the Royal Infirmary in the ambulance waggon. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 17 May 1902]

13 May 1902

Lanark – Fatal Accident – Alexander Wilson, Wilsontown, was on Wednesday killed by a fall of coal in one of the Wilsontown pits near Lanark. Wilson served with the Volunteer Highland Light Infantry Company in South Africa and only arrived home some months ago. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 17 May 1902]

26 May 1902

Motherwell – Miner Killed – A miner named John Sexton, 61 years of age, who resided at Sunnyside Rows, Wishaw, was killed in the Wishaw Coal Company's pit, Motherwell, on Monday afternoon by a fall coming away from the roof and completely burying him. When extricated, it was found that life was extinct. His skull had been fractured. He is survived by a widow and a grown up family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 31 May 1902]

1 August 1902

Fatal Pit Accident - A young miner named Herbert John Doughty, 15 years of age, who resided at 117 English Buildings, Shieldmuir, was killed in the main coal seam of Parkhead Colliery. A fall came away from the face, and the corners struck him on the left side, fracturing two ribs which penetrated the heart. [The Herald 4 August 1902]

7 January 1903

Miner Killed At Westrigg - A young man named Wallace, aged about 20, residing at Westrigg, met with a fatal accident this forenoon while employed in South Broadrigg Pit, Standhill. The unfortunate man was proceeding along the roadway when the roof gave way, carrying with it some woodwork, which pinned him down and suffocated him before he could be extricated. [Edinburgh Evening News 7 January 1903]

20 February 1903

Fatal Pit Accident - A miner, named Robert Dunlop, was crushed to death at Broomside Colliery , near Motherwell, yesterday afternoon. He had been employed at the face in the main coal seam, when a large stone fell from the roof upon him, causing internal injuries, from which he died a few hours later. [Scotsman 23 February 1903]

23 March 1903

Miner Killed - About midday yesterday a fatality occurred in Gilbertfield Colliery, Cambuslang, where a miner named William Kyle was killed instantaneously by a fall of stone from the roof. [Scotsman 24 March 1903]

17 July 1903

Two Miners Killed Through A Firedamp Explosion - The death has taken place in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary of two victims of an explosion of fire-damp which occurred on Friday in the Clyde colliery, Carmyle, by which five men were injured. A father and son, named Boyd, and another miner, James Hunter, were removed to Glasgow Infirmary in a critical condition. The elder Boyd and Hunter succumbed late last night to the terrible burns inflicted when their lamp ignited the foul gas. The younger Boyd is doing well. [Edinburgh Evening News 22 July 1903]

10 August 1903

While at work in Summerston pit on Monday, Patrick M'Laughlin, residing in Kirkintilloch, was killed by a fall from the roof. He was so badly crushed by a large stone that he shortly afterwards expired. He leaves a widow and six children. [Scotsman 12 August 1903]

3 March 1905

Shettleston Miner Killed - A miner named Thomas McManus (44) was fatally injured yesterday in Messrs Dunn and Stephen's Kenmure Colliery, near Mount Vernon. While working in the ell coal seam, a large stone fell upon him from the roof and fractured his skull. Death was instantaneous [Scotsman 4 March 1905]

26 December 1908

By a colliery accident at North Motherwell Colliery, Motherwell, on Saturday, Andrew Anderson and Alexander Anderson, father and son, were killed, and the second son named Andrew Anderson, jun., had both legs broken, and removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The men were opening up a new place in the pit, when huge stone weighing three tons, fell upon them from the roof. [Dundee Courier 28 December 1908]

21 April 1911

Fatal Colliery Accident At Cambuslang – Unsuccessful Attempts To Rescue - A fatal accident took place yesterday morning in Loanend Colliery, Cambuslang, the property of Messrs Archibald Russell & Co. (Limited) Accompanied by a number of workers , Mr Robert Edgar the under manager, was about to undertake the stemming back of a quantity of gas which had accumulated in the pit, when they were completely overcome, and had immediately to retreat in a more or less dazed condition. All succeeded in regaining a clear zone with difficulty except Edgar, who was unable to crawl out of the danger. The alarm was speedily spread, and repeated heroic efforts at rescue were made, but without avail, as the fire-damp was exceedingly dense and occupied a considerable space. Dr Hutchinson was lowered into the pit, and lent assistance to the workers who had been affected by the fumes. Mr Low, the manager, was among those who endeavoured to reach Mr Edgar, but he met with complete prostration, and his removal to the pithead, where he gradually recovered, was imperative. There others needed attention, but the arrival of Doctors Macpherson and Beveridge relieved the strain. The accident occurred about nine o'clock in the morning, but it was about one in the afternoon before a young Cambuslang miner, named Duncan Dunn, succeeded in reaching the place where Edgar was. Edgar was dead, and all attempts at resuscitation failed. Edgar who was 36 years of age, resided at Loanend Cottages, Flemington, Cambuslang and is survived by a widow and six children, The colliery was thrown idle for the day. [Scotsman 22 April 1911]
See entry on Heroism Awards page

30 April 1911

Fatal Pit Explosion - An explosion of gas took place in the Virtuewell seam of North Motherwell colliery on Sunday evening, and Robert Compton, fireman, 13 St Vincent Place, Motherwell, was killed. [Scotsman 2 May 1911]

23 June 1911

Fatal Colliery Accident - Robert Black, pit contractor, Cambuslang, was jammed by a rake of hutches, which came back upon him while he was about to cease work in Bardykes colliery on Saturday. Having been caught by the neck, he was instantaneously killed. He leaves a widow, and five children. [Scotsman 26 June 1911]

6 October 1911

Fatal Accident at Rutherglen - Archibald Smith (15), messenger, who resided at Millcroft Row, met with an accident at No. 6 Pit, Govan colliery, Rutherglen, on Friday, from the effect of which he died in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. [Scotsman 9 October 1911]

20 December 1911

Cambuslang Miner Electrocuted - Yesterday morning, at the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company's colliery at Bardykes, near Cambuslang, a miner named John Kelly, aged 46, who was employed at an electric coal-cutter, was found by one of his co-workers to have been instantaneously killed by, it is supposed, having come into contact with a "live" wire. The current was immediately switched off, but life was found to be extinct. [Scotsman 23 December 1911]

25 January 1912

Serious Pit Accident at Tarbrax. - There were admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary yesterday afternoon two miners who were suffering from serious injuries caused by an accident in a pit at Tarbrax, which was said to be due to an accumulation of gas. The men are Patrick Christie, 32 years of age, and Robert M'Carroll, 40, who both reside in Tarbrax. Both men were reported to be in a serious condition, M'Carroll suffering from concussion and probably fracture of the skull. It is understood that another man who was concerned in the accident was fatally injured. [Scotsman 26 January 1912]

The Tarbrax Mining Accident – Death of M’Carroll – The miner, Robert M’Carroll, who, as reported yesterday was admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from severe injuries due to an accident in a pit at Tarbrax, died yesterday afternoon. [Scotsman 27 January 1912]

4 September 1912

Tollcross Miner Electrocuted - While at work yesterday morning at the coal face in the Klondyke pit, a Tollcross miner, named James Philip (30) was killed. He accidentally caught hold of a live wire connected with a coal-cutting machine, and was electrocuted. He was killed instantaneously. [Scotsman 5 September 1912]

2 & 3 October 1912

Fatal Colliery Accidents in Lanarkshire - While John M'Kenna (19), a labourer, who resided at 37 Pollock Street, Motherwell, was assisting yesterday in changing a pump bucket at the Wishaw Coal Company's No. 2 pit, Coursington Colliery, the weight of the load go it beyond the control of the men, and the handle of the crane in which the bucket was being raised, revolved rapidly and struck M'Kenna on the head, fracturing his skull, and causing almost instant death. Samuel Cockburn, miner, who resided at Victoria Buildings, Gilbertfield, Cambuslang, met with a fatal accident in Gilbertfield Colliery, belonging to Sir John Watson (Limited.). Cockburn was jammed so severely by some hutches that death was instantaneous. He is survived by a widow and five children. [Scotsman 4 October 1912]

15 October 1912

Cambuslang Colliery Explosion - Four Men Injured - Early yesterday morning an explosion occurred in Bardykes Colliery, a large mine in the east end of Cambuslang parish, and belonging to the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company (Limited). A night shift of about l00 men were employed, when, without any warning, the safety lamps in use were extinguished and a loud report was heard simultaneously throughout the ell coal seam. A rush was made by the other workers to the portion affected, and after a search in the fire swept area four or five men were found in a serious condition. Medical aid was at once procured, and Mr Samuel Agnew, the manager, and other officials were promptly on the spot. The men most seriously injured included:-

John Keith, Silverbanks Street, Cambuslang, burned about the back, arms, and face; and
James Joyce, 56 Florence Street, Glasgow, S.S. scorched all over head and face.

Both of these men, after little delay, were removed in the ambulance waggon to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.

James Murphy, Main Street, Cambuslang, and Peter Boyle, Wellside Place, Gilbertfield, Cambuslang, were also burned about the head and face, but their cases, were, not considered serious enough for removal to the Infirmary, and they were conveyed home. [Scotsman 17 October 1912]

Cambuslang Colliery Explosion – The death has occurred in Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Peter Boyle, 26, 13 Wellside Place, Cambuslang, one of the men injured in the explosion in Bardykes Colliery Cambuslang, on Tuesday night, when four miners were injured. [Scotsman 19 October 1912]

The Dead

  • Peter Boyle, coal pit brusher, married, 25, 15 Wellside Place, Halfway Cambuslang, died October 17 1912
  • John Keef, coal miner, married, 31, 7 Silverbanks Street, Cambuslang, died October 20 1912
  • Thomas Joyce, coal miner, married, 34, 46 Florence Street, died October 27 1912

13 December 1912

Blantyre - Fatal Accident At Bardykes Colliery – A fatal accident is reported from No 1 Pit Bardykes Colliery, which is owned by the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company, Limited. A miner named Roddie Watson, unmarried and who resided in High Blantyre, was engaged in road repairing, and was in the act of removing a tree which was propping up the roof when a mass of rock above him became detached, and before Watson could get clear fell upon him. It was an hour before the unfortunate man was extricated, and he was the quite dead. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 December 1912]

26 January 1913

Colliery Explosion At Cambuslang – Four Men Injured - Bardykes Colliery, the largest pit in Cambuslang parish, and situated nearly two miles east of the town, was the scene of a gas explosion, involving injury to four men engaged in repairing work. The injured men are: - John Hunter (31), 6 Buchan Square, Cambuslang; James Duncan (30), 25 Cross Row, Low Blantyre; John Cox (25), 27 Green Street, Bothwell; and Michael Garraty (35), 23 Young Street, Hamilton. Dr Wilson, Blantyre later ordered Garraty's removal to the Royal Infirmary , Glasgow, as his condition became more serious. Hunter and Duncan requested to be taken home, but the colliery officials deemed it more expedient to convey them to Blantyre Cottage Hospital. At the time of the occurrence few men were working in the colliery, which is the property of the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company (Limited), and employs 700 men. The repairs by the squad affected were being carried out in No. 2 Colliery, where the roof of what is known as the Glasgow coal seam was being heightened. To accomplish that the men, who were being superintended by a Blantyre oversman named Thomas Malcolmson, had to remove a considerable quantity of roof material, and less any gas had accumulated in the gap Malcolmson fixed a safety lamp at the spot and warned the workers. He had only left that portion of the workings for a short time when the sound of an explosion was heard, the flame of a naked light having probably ignited the gas. Mr Samuel Agnew, the colliery manager and Mr Highet, an oversman were quickly on the spot, and the men were attended to as speedily as possible. [Scotsman 28 January 1913]

27 January 1913

Lanarkshire miner killed - While Thomas Nugent (36), miner, Ravenscraig Rows, near Motherwell, was at work in the United Collieries No 3 Carfin Pit the coal face burst open, burying him underneath. With much difficulty his fellow-workmen had him extricated, but his skull had been fractured, and he died before the arrival of a doctor. [Scotsman 30 January 1913]

21 May 1913

Miner Electrocuted - A miner named Joseph Davis, who resided at Co-operative Buildings, Tollcross, was electrocuted on Wednesday night while working in Kenmuirhill Colliery, Carmyle. It is supposed that Davis in some unaccountable way came in contact with the electric cable, but nothing was known of the accident until his comrades discovered him lying dead. [ Glasgow Herald 23 May 1913]

27 June 1913

Cambuslang Colliery Accident - A serious accident befell a miner named George Reid (16) yesterday afternoon while working in Gilbertfield colliery, Cambuslang, the property of Messrs John Watson & Co. (Ltd.) Reid was severely crushed by a hutch on one of the roads, and was removed in the ambulance waggon to the Royal Infirmary, in a critical condition. [Scotsman 28 June 1913]

15 & 16 July 1913

Fatal Colliery Accidents - A fatal accident occurred yesterday at Gateside colliery, Cambuslang, which is owned by the Flemington Coal Company (Limited.) A miner named James Morton (40). 56 Park Street, Cambuslang, was engaged working with another miner at a ten-ton coal-cutting machine when he was caught in the machine, which is driven by electric current, and was killed. While James Hill Jack was at work in Messrs Kerr & Mitchell's Glencleland colliery a dislodged piece of rock fell upon him from the roof. He was removed to the pit bank, where he died. [Scotsman 18 July 1913]

NB James Hill Jacks death was registered as due to heart failure following accident

28 August 1913

Fatal Colliery Accident near Carluke - Samuel Wallace (33), a coal-cutting machine attendant, who resided in Carluke met with an accident while at his work in the Pyotshaw seam in No. 3 Pit, Law colliery, near Carluke, late on Thursday night. The prop supporting the machine had slipped, and Wallace losing his balance fell in front of the machine, with the result that he received terrible injuries to his body and a fracture of both legs. Wallace was being conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, but expired on the way, about an hour and a half after receiving the injury. He leaves five children. Wallace belonged to Cambuslang district. [Scotsman 30 August 1913]

4 September 1913

Miner Killed at Cambuslang - Yesterday an accident occurred in Dechmont colliery, Cambuslang , the property of Messrs Archibald Russell & Company (Limited.). While a group of miners were working in the "humph" coal section, a large fall of stone from the roof took place. All escaped except a Pole named John Gladys, who resided in Coburg Street, Glasgow. This man was felled to the ground by a mass weighing fully half a ton, and killed instantaneously. [Scotsman 5 September 1913]