Accidents 1915 onwards

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

27 January 1915

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

16 April 1915

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

23 April 1915

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

3 May 1915

Mysterious Death - On Monday night while a miner named Patrick Devine, residing at 3 Laighmuir Street, Uddingston, was the act of leaving his work in Messrs A. G. Moore Coy.’s Blantyre Ferme Colliery Uddingston and assisting to right an overturned hutch, he suddenly dropped to the ground and immediately expired. He was about forty years age and leaves a widow and several of a family. A postmortem examination of the body took place on Thursday afternoon, and the result is stated to have been that death had occurred through rupture of an artery the heart caused by overstrain. The funeral took place yesterday to Rochsoles, near Airdrie. [Hamilton Advertiser 8 May 1915]

10 June 1915

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

22 July 1915

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

28 July 1915

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

23 August 1915

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

9 September 1915

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

21 September 1915

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

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

20 October 1915

Bellshill Colliery Fatality - While Andrus Waitukaitis, miner, residing 30 Main Street, Bellshill was, after completion his shift, returning on Wednesday along the roadway of one the sections in Bothwell Park Colliery, belonging to Messrs William Baird and Co., a large stone fell from the roof, crushing him to the ground. He was immediately conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, where he died soon after admission. He was 24, and was married. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 October 1915]

12 January 1916

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

15 February 1916

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

14 March 1916

Bellshill - Fatal Result of Accident - John Fay, 17 years age, miner, residing at 31 Parkhead Street, Bellshill West End, has died of injuries sustained while at work in Messrs Wilsons & Clyde Coal Company's Douglas Park Colliery, Bellshill, on Tuesday. He was caught by a burst of coal weighing six cwt. which completely covered the lower part of the body. When extricated, the unfortunate lad was suffering severely from shock, while one of his legs was almost severed above the ankle. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, where he succumbed to his injuries. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 March 1916]

21 April 1916

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

16 May 1916

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

25 May 1916

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

5 July 1916

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

14 July 1916

Fatal Colliery Accident - A well known resident, in the person of Mr David Robertson, Bankfoot Cottage, Croftbank Street, Uddingston died in the Royal Infirmary late on Friday night last week as the result of accident at Broomhouse Colliery early that morning. Deceased, who had been in the employ of the Company for close on forty years, was latterly hill foreman, and while in the execution of his duty was unfortunately run down and his leg badly crushed. It was not at first considered serious, but he gradually sank, and died as stated. The funeral, which was a public one, took place to Bothwell Park Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, and was largely attended. [Hamilton Advertiser - Saturday 22 July 1916]

8 August 1916

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

16 October 1916

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

NB David McVie died on 16 October 1916 in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

27 October 1916

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

12 November 1916

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

20 December 1916

Bellshill - Crushed to Death - Matthew Barr, a pit bottomer, residing at 261 Main Street, Bellshill, was fatally injured on Wednesday after noon at the Bothwell Park Colliery, Bellshill, of Messrs Wm. Baird & Co. He was at work on the pithead, when he was severely crushed by a waggon, death being instantaneous. The unfortunate man leaves a widow and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 December 1916]

23 February 1917

YOUNG MINER'S HEROISM. - SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. - Airdrie, Saturday. - An example of heroic self-sacrifice in a coal mine transpired in the Sheriff Court here during the hearing of a fatal accident inquiry before Sheriff Lee and a jury. The inquiry was as to the circumstances attending the death of Robert Kennedy M'Kirdy, a pit drawer, residing at Young's Land, Thorniewood, Nackerty, which occurred on 23d February in No. 2 Pit, Bredisholm Colliery, of the United Collieries, Ltd. A pony driver named Neil Brown stated that the deceased was bringing a loaded hutch down an incline 280 feet long, and in putting a snibble into the wheels when the hutch was at the steepest part of the slope he had accidentally pushed the snibble too far through, with the result that it failed to check the hutch which immediately ran off down the incline. M'Kirdy, however, retained his hold of the hutch, and hung on by it in an attempt to guy it off the rails or have it stopped, in view of the fact that other men might be coming up the incline and would be run down and killed. The lad's efforts to do so were unavailing, and he himself was dragged down and dashed violently against the wall of the mine, his skull being fractured. At the close of the evidence the Sheriff, addressing the jury, said that this lad had realised the danger the runaway hutch would be to others. His Lordship thought it a brave thing that this lad had done, and he suggested that the jury might add to the ordinary verdict a recognition of his heroic conduct. The jury unanimously accepted the Sheriff's suggestion, and in addition to the formal finding to the cause of the lad's death they said they desired to express their appreciation of the conduct of the deceased, and regretted that such brave conduct should have led to his death. [Sunday Post 25 March 1917]

7 July 1917

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

17 August 1917

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

21 August 1917

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

19 March 1918

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

2 August 1918

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

13 January 1919

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

22 March 1919

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

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

17 April 1919

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

5 May 1919

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

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

6 June 1919

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

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

26 June 1919

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

31 August 1919

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

6 September 1919

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

9 December 1919

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

21 January 1920

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

September 1920

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

27 September 1920

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

23 April 1921

Miner's Tragic fate - Man Killed at Newarthill - Miners engaged in different parts of the country in the working of out-crop coal seams are now realising that this cannot be done without involving considerable risk, the inevitable accompaniment of primitive methods, and the lack of material to ensure safety. A very distressing accident happened the mining village of Newarthill, near Holytown, when a miner, Alexander Craig, residing at Parkside, met his death under tragic circumstances on Saturday. Craig, like the other miners of the district, had been working an old “cropped” seam of coal during the past few days in company with some companions. The coal in this instance was exceptional quality, and as time went on the workings reached considerable proportions, resulting consequently in a large deep roof, with many tons of earth overhead. Unfortunately, there had been no supports used for “propping” purposes, which accounted for a heavy fall, involving about a ton of earth, giving way, and burying Craig completely. Realising what had occurred, his companions set to the work of rescuing their friend from his perilous plight, and succeeded in their task to a certain extent, being able to remove the debris from his head and chest; in fact, he was quite conscious throughout the ordeal, and chatted freely with his rescuers. “A few minutes more and all would have been well for poor Craig.’’ continued an eye witness, “but before you could count three another fall suddenly swept down upon us about three times heavier than the first, and he was lost to view. We wrought us never any collier wrought before, but when we found him the body was lifeless.” The unfortunate man was 48 years of age and leaves behind a widow and six children. [Motherwell Times 29 April 1921]

21 September 1921

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

24 October 1921

Fatal Pit Fall - A Newarthill miner named Andrew Duthert, 55 years of age, and residing at Church Street there, has died as the result heavy fall from the roof of the Virtuewell seam at Holytown Colliery on Monday night. The unfortunate man was following his employment at the time when, without warning, a heavy stone gave way dislocating his neck. Death must have been instantaneous. Deceased leaves a widow and family to whom much sympathy is extended in their time of bereavement. [Motherwell Times 28 October 1921]

1 March 1922

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

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

11 April 1922

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 April 1922

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

23 August 1922

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

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

30 August 1922

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

31 August 1922

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

September 1922

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

19 December 1923

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

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

13 January 1924

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

Charge Against A Colliery Fireman - A sequel to a recent fatal accident in Clydeside Colliery, Uddingston, was heard at Hamilton on Saturday, when Hamilton Graham, colliery fireman, 3 Griqua Terrace, Bothwell, admitted having failed to record the finding of gas and having failed to fence the place where it was found, so as to prevent persons from entering it inadvertently. The Fiscal explained that when accused became aware of gas he withdrew two men who were working there. These men afterwards returned, and there was a dispute as to whether or not they got permission. An explosion occurred, and one of the men was [illegible] injured. Accused told the Court that he had not entered the finding of the gas in the report book as he was anxious, after reporting it verbally, to get back to where it had been found. In dismissing Graham with an admonition, Sheriff Shennan emphasised the importance of a record being kept of the finding of gas, so that it could be seen by the mines inspectors when they visited the colliery. [Motherwell Times 7 March 1924]

11 April 1924

Terrible Holytown Fatal Accident – A terrible pit fatality occurred at Holytown on Friday night, casting a gloom over the large mining community resident in the district. Between 6 and 7 o’clock a young man named Michael Donnelly (24) a brusher residing at Central Avenue, Holytown Road, was at work in the Anderson machine section of the dook in No. 6 Pit, Thankerton Colliery, when in the course of blasting operations for clearing a new road, a shot went off in Donnelly's vicinity, and through some cause or other he was unable to clear himself in time, with the result that he was struck and instantly killed. His body was terribly mutilated. A second man named Harry Mulvaney, residing at Chapelhall, who was working as mate to Donnelly at the time, was also in the vicinity when the shot went off. He suffered from shock, and had to be medically attended. [Motherwell Times 18 April 1924]

Holytown Miner’s Death Inquiry - At Airdrie Sheriff Court on Friday a fatal accidents inquiry was made regarding the deaths of several persons which had occurred during the past few weeks. Among at the cases to be heard was the death of Michael Donnelly, miner, 18 Central Avenue, Holytown, who was killed on the 8th April in No. 6 Pit, Thankerton Pit, Holytown, worked by John M`Andrew & Co., Ltd. The evidence showed that deceased was engaged with- another man in the firing of a shot in the mine, when the shot suddenly went off while he was in close proximity, burying him in the debris, and practically having his head blown off. The Sheriff said there might be some doubt; on the evidence as to whether deceased had gone back on the shot after having fired it, but it was quite evident that he was killed by the explosion. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Motherwell Times 6 June 1924]

NB We have not checked the correct date of this accident.

6 May 1924

New Stevenston Man Injured - Nathaniel Campbell, 14 Carfin Street, New Stevenston, sustained injuries to his head and body whilst following his employment on Tuesday morning at Jerviston Colliery, near Mossend. Campbell was engaged underground when a fall took place, and had a marvellous escape from serious injury. After being medically attended, he was removed to his home. Another man named M'Guire escaped also with a few bruises. [Motherwell Times 9 May 1924]

9 May 1924

Injured At Pit - While employed as a driver at Parkhead Colliery on Friday, Daniel M'Atee (38) a pony driver residing at 25 Millar Street, met with an accident. It seems that a pony drawing a rake of hutches broke loose and M'Attee was caught by a hutch severely crushed about the back. He was attended by a doctor and removed to the Royal Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably. [Motherwell Times 16 May 1924]

15 May 1924

Whilst following his employment on Thursday morning, at East Parkhead Colliery, a miner named Michael Duffy, residing at Ashley Grange, Bothwell Park, met with injuries which necessitated medical attention, following which he was removed in a local ambulance to his home. [Motherwell Times 16 May 1924]

28 May 1924

Bellshill Miner Killed - A fatal accident took place on Wednesday in Old Orbiston Pit, Bellshill, when Thomas Stewart, of Kenilworth Crescent, Bellshill, was killed by a stone falling from the roof. Two brothers named Brown, of Crossgates, Bellshill, escaped with only slight finger injuries. In another column the accident is more fully reported.[Motherwell Times 30 May 1924]

Miner Killed At Bellshill – Two Others Injured
- Death grim and sudden, has again visited Bellshill and Thomas Stewart, coal miner, and residing at 79 Kenilworth Crescent, Bellshill, has passed to his long rest with tragic suddenness. A regular worker at Old Orbiston Pit splint coal lodgement section, the deceased was on Wednesday at 2 o’clock preparing for home. Chatting light-heartedly to two workmates, Charles and William Brown, he reached for his coat, when without warning, a part of the roof fell in and, missing the two brothers, pinned Mr Stewart underneath. Even then the unfortunate man was not fatally injured. He was fully conscious, and was able to speak to comrades as they hurriedly laboured to extricate him. But it was not to be. Before they could rescue him a second fall occurred, and Thomas Stewart had passed beyond the aid of man. The accident greatly shook the two men who had so bravely attempted his rescue and it was not until the remains had been carried to the surface that it was discovered that both the brothers had received pretty severe injuries. Charles, the elder of the two, had his foot badly crushed, and William had one of his hands badly mutilated, two of the fingers at least having to be removed - both the result of the second and fatal fall. Dr Muir is attending both young men at their home, but it will be a few days before either of them are fit for their duties again. Mr Stewart leaves a widow and a young family of four, and it is sad to record, that only on the Wednesday previous to his death he had gone to Rothesay and arranged for holiday accommodation there for his wife and family. Now he is gone and his wife, who has been in very indifferent health for some time, is utterly and completely prostrated by her sudden bereavement. The warm sympathy of the whole district is extended to her and to her children, in their great loss. [Motherwell Times 30 May 1924]

7 June 1924

Run Down By Pit “Pug” -Sad Fate of Carfin Girl - A young Polish girl, 16 years of age, employed as a message girl at No. 6 Dixon’s Pits, Carfin, met with terrible injuries through being run down by a pug engine in the vicinity of the pit on Thursday afternoon, one leg being severed at the knee and the other requiring to be amputated on the unfortunate girl’s arrival at the Royal Infirmary, where she had been removed. The girl succumbed in the Infirmary early on Saturday morning. Named Annie Onaarminas, and residing with her widowed mother at 2 brushers Row, Carfin, Annie was the youngest girl employed at the pithead and her bright, cheery personality made her a general favourite. It appears that at the moment of the dreadful accident; Annie had been sent a message to bring picks to the pithead and when crossing the rails near the pithead, on her return journey, she failed to observe the approaching pug.

A Warning unheard
- A watcher at the pithead is said to have observed the girl’s danger and to have shouted to her to "mind the pug," but with the noise made by the machinery of the coal screes the girl didn't hear the warning and clearing a line of waggons she stepped right on to the rails in front of the pug. The pug driver hadn’t noticed the girl crossing the rails till the pug was actually on her, when it was too late, and the girl was run down. The helpers who hurried quickly to the scene were horrified to find one of the legs had been severed while the other was hanging to the body by little more than the skin. With all haste, Dr. Irving was summoned and he attended to the girl’s injuries and ordered her removal to the Infirmary. Her condition was critical from the first and there was little hope of her recovery- so terrible the nature of her injuries and the consequent lose of blood. The girl's mother was called in on Friday, when the little victim was able to tell her own story of the dreadful occurrence. Interviewed by a Motherwell "Times” representative, Mrs Onaarminas, in her own home at Carfin awaiting the arrival of the body from the Infirmary, was too overwhelmed with grief to say much. She related however, that Annie in her last few hours of consciousness, didn’t mind the loss of her legs, if only she was able to be home, and get out in a chair and go about and see her friends. “She loved her home and the friends," said the bereaved mother through her tears, "and she couldn‘t think to be parted from them."  The girl’s father, a Lithuanian, who served at the Russian front, was killed in the late war [Motherwell Times 13 June 1924]

11 July 1924

Newarthill – Miner Injured - While at work in Holytown Colliery on Friday forenoon, George Yuille, a miner residing at High Street, Newarthill, met with an accident through a fall of dirt from the roof. Mr Yuille was removed home and attended by a doctor when he was found to be suffering from injury to the back and side. It was deemed necessary to have him removed to the Royal Infirmary, where it was found that his injuries were less serious than at first supposed, the injuries consisted of severe bruises, but with no bone broken. Mr Yuille is making good progress towards recovery. [Motherwell Times 18 July 1924]

23 August 1924

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

James Murray, aged 25 years, married and residing at Crosshill Square, Baillieston, burned on back, chest, face, and arms, and suffering from shock. Conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
William Murray, father of the above, and residing at Clydesdale Place, Crosshill, Baillieston; burned on face, chest, and arms. Conveyed home.
Robert Thomson, Main Street, Baillieston, burned on face, chest, and arms, and removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Samuel Allison, senr. Camphill Gardens, Baillieston, slightly burned and conveyed home.

James Murray died in the Infirmary on Saturday evening, never having regained consciousness, and leaves a widow and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser 30 August 1924]

11 September 1924

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

Loss To Quoiting World – Sad Pit Fatality - A well-known quoiter in the person of Mr Lawrence "Larry'' Winters, has met his end as the result of an accident sustained on Thursday morning last, whilst following his employment as a miner at Milnwood Colliery, Bellshill. Winters, it appears, at the time was about to finish his shift about 5 o'clock when without warning a fall weighing over four cwts. came away from the roof. He failed to clear himself from the falling mass, and receiving the full impact, was pinned to the pavement. Help was at once forthcoming and the unfortunate man extricated from his perilous position, but on examination the body was found to be lifeless. Death must have proved instantaneous, judging from the nature of the injuries received. The deceased, whose home address was Old Mill Road, Uddingston, leaves a widow to mourn his loss. "Larry" Winters was a conspicuous figure in Scottish as well as Lanarkshire quoiting circles, and in tournaments in various parts of the country he was to be seen taking an active and most interested part. He had many badges, medals and other trophies to his credit, won at various "County" and "Scottish" Championships. It might be interesting to add the deceased was a brother-in-law of Mr Joseph Sullivan, M.P. for North Lanark. Mrs Winters, in her sad loss, has received many messages of condolence from local and district quoiting clubs, as well as from others with whom the deceased man was well-known. [Motherwell Times 19 September 1924]

12 November 1924

Decomposed Body Found On Bing At Bellshill - A tragedy, believed to be about ten days old, was discovered on Wednesday on the outskirts of Bellshill. On top of a refuse bin at No. 13 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, the body of a man was found in an advanced state of decomposition. It is believed that the man may have lain down to sleep on the bing, lost consciousness through the fumes, for a tragedy of that type occurred in the vicinity about a year ago. The man has as yet to be identified. On the body was found, amongst other things, an insurance card bearing the words - James Cassidy, Lesmahagow. It had been dated 31-10-24 at the office of the Ministry of Labour, Greenhead Halls, Bridgeton, Glasgow. [Motherwell Times 14 November 1924]

11 December 1924

Miner Injured- Thomas O’Hara Parkhead Rows, Bellshill was removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, on Thursday morning, suffering from injuries received whilst at work in No. 7 Pit, Rosehall Colliery. It transpires O’Hara was engaged on the night shift, working at a coal cutting machine, when he received injuries to his head and body. Dr Douglas attended the unfortunate man following which he was removed to the city institution in a Bellshill ambulance. [Motherwell Times 12 December 1924]

17 December 1924

Pit Fatality – On Friday a young lad named Downie lost his life in Messrs Nimmo’s Blackie Pit, New Stevenston. He was working below ground when a stone came away from the roof and, falling on him, caused almost instantaneous death. The deceased was quite a young lad, still in his teens, and he resided at Baird’s Square. [Motherwell Times 26 December 1924]

NB It is likely this article refers to death of Wincas Dawnarawicus

6 January 1925

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

23 January 1925

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

3 August 1925

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

30 November 1925

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

7 February 1927

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

4 May 1927

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

13 May 1927

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

18 May 1927

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

18 May 1927

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

5 June 1927

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

13 June 1927

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

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

2 October 1927

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

30 June 1928

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

4 September 1928

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

24 October 1928

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

NB Death certificate gives name as Antanas Staloraitis

15 November 1928

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

26 January 1929

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

16 March 1929

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

30 March 1929

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

7 May 1929

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

6 August 1929

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

9 August 1929

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

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

3 December 1929

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

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

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

23 January 1930

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

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

1 March 1930

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

23 April 1930

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

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

21 February 1931

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

3 November 1931

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

7 December 1931

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

10 December 1931

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

19 March 1932

Uddingston - Fatal Result of a Colliery Accident - Patrick M'Cafferty (52), stone miner, residing at 29 Greenrigg Street, Uddingston, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, on Wednesday night, as the result of injuries sustained in an explosion of gas in No 5 Rosehall Colliery, Crewksford, a fortnight ago. Deceased, who was a widower and leaves four of a family, had been seriously injured on face, arms, and back. The funeral took place yesterday (Friday) to Dalbeth cemetery. [Hamilton Advertiser 19 March 1932]

17 December 1932

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

26 March 1933

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

17 July 1933

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

1933

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

30 October 1933

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

5 December 1933

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

7 September 1934

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

13 September 1934

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

5 January 1935

BELLSHILL PIT FATALITY - Four Children Left Orphans - A Bellshill miner, Thomas M'Cue, 116 Parkhead Rows, Hamilton Road, was killed yesterday morning at work in Tannochside No. 3 Old Pit. By his death his four children are left orphans, their mother having died eight weeks ago. M'Cue was a pan-shifter on a coal-conveyor run. While releasing a stay which held the coal-cutter in position a large stone fell from the roof. Pinning him to the ground, it killed him instantaneously. Workmates at once extricated him, but had to employ screw jacks before the stone could be raised from his dead body. M'Cue was well known in Bellshill and district, acting as instructor to the Thorniewood Boy Scouts' Pipe Band. The family's ages range from ten to twenty years. [Sunday Post 6 January 1935]

29 April 1935

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

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

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

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

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

7 January 1936

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

19 January 1937

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

1 April 1937

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

12 August 1937

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

Two Miners Gassed In Blantyre Pit – Overcome In Old Workings: Timely Rescue By Officials - Two Uddingston men — Hugh Power, 1 Livingstone Terrace, and William Laird, 46 Laighmuir Street – were overcome by gas while engaged at work in Blantyre Ferme Colliery yesterday afternoon. Power, who had been sent out on an errand, evidently went out of his way and wandered into an old section, where he collapsed from the effects of gas. The oversman, James Lang, becoming anxious at Power's non-return, went into the old workings and found him lying unconscious. Lang then called on Laird to assist him, and in the process of getting Power out Laird too was overcome. With the help of the colliery manager, the two men were eventually got out, and after medical attention in the ambulance room they were removed by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. It was reported at the Royal Infirmary last night that the condition of both men had greatly improved. [Glasgow Herald 13 August 1937]

15 February 1938

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

25 February 1938

Mineworker Fatally Injured - James Davidson, 3 Lochview, Calderbank, near Holytown, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary early yesterday from injuries received through becoming entangled in a coal-cutting machine which he was operating in Woodhall Colliery, Calderbank. He was about 33 years of age, and is survived by a widow and one child. [Scotsman 26 February 1938]

4 August 1938

A party of twelve miners worked incessantly for two hours yesterday in a heroic but unavailing effort to release a Calderbank youth, who was trapped by a heavy fall of stone and rock from the roof of the workings at the Crow Colliery, Calderbank. The courageous efforts of the rescuers proved to be of no avail, as after they had succeeded in clearing away the debris, they found that the entombed youth was dead. The dead youth was William Waddell (20) Fir View, Calderbank, and he was employed as a repairer at the colliery. He was working at the junction of two of the colliery roads when the fall occurred, and was unable to jump clear. [Scotsman 5 August 1938]

3 September 1938

Boy Fatally Hurt At Coal Conveyor - A Bellshill boy, James Baird (16), who lived at Douglas Park Rows, Crossgates, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Saturday as the result of an accident at his work the previous night. The boy was employed as a surface worker at No. 5 Rosehall Colliery, near Bellshill, and it appears that his legs were caught in the conveyor which conveys the coal to the screening plant. His cries for help attracted the attention of a workmate, who switched off the machinery, but, it was some time before the injured boy was extricated. The colliery was idle on Saturday. [Scotsman 5 September 1938]

12 October 1938

Killed At His First Job - Last night, at Holytown Colliery, New Stevenston, of James Nimmo & Company, a boy, Edward Davis, aged 14, of Nimmo's Road, New Stevenston, was caught in the conveyor of the coal washing plant and killed. Davis was due to stop work at 4 o'clock, but at finishing time no one observed him leaving for home. A search was instituted by the colliery officials and others, but it was not until several hours later that the body of the youth was discovered. He had been caught in the driving chain of the conveyor which distributes the washed coal to the waggons. Davis was not due to leave school at the summer holidays owing to the relationship between his birthday and the restart of the schools. On obtaining his situation, however, he was granted exemption by the Education Authority, and had only started work a week or so ago. Davis's father is employed underground at the same colliery, and was at work at the time of the accident. [Scotsman 13 October 1938]

14 May 1939

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

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

Miners employed at No. 14 Rosehall Mine, Whifflet, near Bellshill, did not go to work yesterday as a tribute to their dead colleague Louis Smith of Stewart St Mossend who was fatally injured in an accident at the mine on Sunday. Smith died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. It was stated at the Infirmary yesterday that there was no change in the condition of James Henderson, 24, of Glebe St Bellshill, who was also injured. Henderson is suffering from severe leg, body, and face injuries. [Scotsman 15 May 1939]

13 September 1939

A Holytown miner, David Bovell, residing at 135 Main Street, was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary yesterday as the result of an accident at his work. Bovell, who is employed as a bogey-runner at No. 6 Thankerton Colliery, Holytown, was carrying out his work underground when he was jammed by runaway hutches. [Scotsman 14 September 1939]

5 January 1940

Uddingston Man Killed in Colliery Accident – Hugh Davis (61), residing at Greenriggs Street, Uddingston, was killed last night while at work in the Blantyre Ferme No 2 Colliery, owned by Messrs A. G. Moore and Co. Ltd. David was employed as a surfaceman, and it is believed that he became caught in the washing machinery at the pit. [Glasgow Herald 6 January 1940]

Uddingston – Pit Fatality – Mr Hugh Davis (61) 27 Greenrigg Street, Uddingston, was killed on Friday night while at work in Blantyre Ferme No 2 Colliery, owned by Messrs A. G. Moore Ltd. Mr Davis was employed as a surfaceman and it is believed that he became caught in the shaft of the washing machinery at the pit. He leaves a wife and grown-up family. The funeral took place to Bothwellpark Cemetery on Monday afternoon. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 January 1940]

31 October 1940

Bellshill – Double Pit fatality – Two miner were killed and one injured as the result of a roof fall which occurred at Rosehall Colliery on Thursday. The colliery, which belongs to Messrs Robert Addie, is situated between Bellshill and Coatbridge. The dead men are W M’Guiness, Bellshill, and P. Cavanagh, Tannochside. The injured man is J. Bell, Coatbridge. The fall occurred shortly after two o’clock, and it was many hours before the men were brought to the surface. The injured man, Bell, was not rescued until after seven o’clock. It is understood that the men were near the coalface when the accident happened. Bell is a foreman. [Hamilton Advertiser 2 November 1940]

18 June 1942

Miner Succumbs to Injuries - Joseph Lees (20), who resided at Sunnyside Crescent, Holytown, has died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary as the result of an accident at Thankerton Colliery, Holytown. Lees sustained leg and body injuries. [Scotsman 20 June 1942]

18 June 1945

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