Accidents 1901 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.

8 February 1902

Shotts – Colliery Accident – A serious accident occurred on Saturday at Stane Colliery to a miner named John Brodie. When engaged in blasting operations, Brodie was under the opinion that the shot had missed fire, and after having waited some time, had gone to the face to adjust matters. When near the place the shot went off, injuring him in a serious manner. His left arm was fractured and he was otherwise badly bruised about the body. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 15 February 1902]

8 July 1902

Two Men Suffocated at Cleland Colliery - Yesterday two men lost their lives at Howmere [sic] Pit, near Omoa Station, one of the pits on Murdostoun estate, which is being reopened by a company only recently formed. It appears that work was going on in the shaft, when one of the men, named Jardine, who resided at Newarthill, was observed to fall down the shaft. Mr John M'Donald, jun., managing director of the firm, went down in the kettle for the purpose of rescuing Jardine, when he himself was overcome by the black damp and fell down. A rescue party was afterwards formed, but when the bodies were recovered life was extinct. [Scotsman 9th July 1902]

8 September 1902

Accident At Shotts Iron Pits - Last night a miner named Robert Davie, who was engaged at the Shotts Iron pits, was admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from injuries received in consequence of a fall from the roof. It was ascertained in the Infirmary that he had sustained a compound fracture of the right leg. [Scotsman 9 September 1902]

11 March 1909

Man Killed At Motherwell - A miner, named Peter M'Ewan, residing at Clelland, was killed yesterday while at work in Howie Muir Colliery, worked by Auchenlea Coal Company. He was engaged on the lower seam in front of the engine when there was a fall from the roof, and he was killed on the spot. M'Ewan was recently married. [Scotsman 13 March 1909]

17 March 1911

Cleland Miner Killed - Hector M'Neil, miner Cleland, was killed in Westwood Pit, Murdostoun colliery, Cleland, on Saturday. He fell between a rake of hutches which was being drawn to the bottom of the pit, and his spinal column was fractured. He was 20 years of age. [Scotsman 20 March 1911]

5 June 1911

Shotts Miner Killed - A miner named Robert Morris (21), employed at Fortrigg Pit, Shotts, belonging to Baton Company, was instantaneously killed on Monday night by a large stone falling on him. [Scotsman 7 June 1911]

30 September 1911

East Benhar – Miner Killed – A fatal accident occurred on Saturday forenoon to a miner named James King, 30, residing at East Benhar, and employed in Knowton Pit. It appears that while at work he got entangled in the haulage rope, and was taken round the drum, the rope getting round his neck and strangling him. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 October 1911]

15 August 1913

Cleland Labourer Killed - While two labourers were at work at a dross-washing machine at the Auchinlea Coal Company' s Howemuir colliery, Cleland, the scaffold gave way and they were precipitated to the ground, a distance of twenty feet. Walter Neilson (58), labourer, North Shaws, Cleland, was killed by having his skull fractured. The other man, Andrew Nicol, escaped almost without injury. [Scotsman 18 August 1913]

23 June 1914

Cleland Boy Killed - A boy, fourteen years of age, named James M'Kinney, who resided at Crossgates, Cleland. and who was working as a miner, was killed in Greenhill Colliery, Cleland, by about three tons of debris falling upon him from the roof. [Scotsman 26 June 1914]

8 January 1915

Fatal Colliery Accident - A fatal colliery accident occurred at Shotts yesterday morning to a miner named David Blacklerg. While at work Baton Pit, belonging to the Baton Coal Company, a large quantity of stones fell on him and before he was extricated life was extinct. He leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 9 January 1915]

15 February 1915

Salsburgh – Fatal Colliery Accident – A young lad named James Marshall Greenshields, 17 years of age, a pony driver, son of Robert Greenshields, Craighead View, Salsburgh, met with an accident which proved fatal about 8am on Monday. He was engaged at work on a pony road in No 1 Dewshill Colliery (Coltness Iron Company's) and was accidentally jammed between a hutch and the building at the side of the hutch road, which caused severe internal bruises about the heart and left lung. On being released he was found to be unconscious and on being removed to the pit bottom and thence to the managers office on the surface, he was examined by Dr Bannatyne and found to be still alive, but he died a minute later without regaining consciousness. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 20 February 1915]

15 February 1915

Shotts – Serious Scalding Accident – A serious accident took place on Monday morning at Fortrigg Pit, belonging to Baton Collieries Ltd, whereby three workmen got seriously scalded. While Walter Knox (manager), Alexander Brown, and George Denholm were engaged at work in connection with the washing machine a steam pipe burst, and before the unfortunate men could escape they were enveloped in steam and hot water. Denholm's injuries were of such a serious nature he was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 20 February 1915]

NB George Denholm, age 23, died 18 February 1915

27 March 1915

Workmen's Compensation Appeal – Mrs Hawson v. A.&G. Anderson - This was a stated case on appeal under the Workmen 's Compensation. Act for Mrs Alexandrina L. W. Roberts or Hawson, Main Street, Harthill, widow of James Jeffrey Hawson, oversman, against his employers, A. & G. Anderson, coalmasters , Blairmuckhill Colliery, Shotts. Hawson was employed as an under manager in that colliery. He held a fireman's certificate, but had not been formally appointed as fireman. For the most part the colliery was worked with naked lights, but inflammable gas was not unknown in it. On 27th March 1915 Hawson accompanied into the mine two mining contractors, in order to point out to them certain work which it was proposed that they should offer to execute. On reaching the pit bottom Hawson was informed by the fireman on duty that the particular section the contractors were interested in had not been inspected as required by statute. Hawson told the fireman he would himself inspect the section, instructed the fireman to proceed with other work, and to allow him and the contractors to pass. Hawson and the contractors proceeded to the section with naked lights in their caps and an explosion took place, as the result of which Hawson died on 2nd April. Sheriff-Substitute Lee at Airdrie held that Hawson 's injuries were not sustained by an accident arising out of his employment as under manager, and that his widow was not entitled to compensation. He took the view that the accident was the result of a new and added peril brought on the workman by himself. When the case came previously before the Court, a remit was made back to the Sheriff, who made additional findings. Counsel for the appellant to-day informed their Lordships that in respect of the additional findings which the Sheriff had made, he found it impossible to maintain the appeal. The Division therefore dismissed the appeal with expenses to the respondents. [Scotsman 16 June 1916]

The Fatal Colliery Explosion – Claims Settled – Two actions directed against A & G Anderson, coalmasters Harthill, were down for trial on Thursday before Lord Dewar and a jury, but settlements were effected. Charles Stewart, mining contractor, Harthill, claimed payment of £300 for personal injuries, and Mrs Agnes Cameron or Sommerville, Main Street, Harthill, sued for £1000 for herself and her two children as damages for the death of her husband Richard Sommerville, mining contractor, on March 27 last year, regarding which an inquiry was held in Airdrie Sheriff Court at the time. Stewart and Sommerville visited the defenders colliery with the intention of inspecting and examining part of the coal face, for which they proposed to make an offer of work by contract. They were conducted to the spot by the defenders undermanager, James Mawson, who entered the dook first to show the way. He was carrying a lighted safety lamp in one hand, and a naked lamp was burning in his cap. They had proceeded a short distance when a violent explosion of gas occurred which extinguished the lamps and so severely injured the three men that Mawson died the next day and Sommerville a week later, while Stewart was badly burned. In terms of the settlement, Mrs Sommerville received £325 and Stewart £125, with expenses in both cases to date of tender. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 10 June 1916]

NB James Jeffrey Hawson died 28 March 1915 & Richard Sommerville died 2 April 1915, both in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

7 May 1915

1 November 1915

Salsburgh - Colliery Accident - About 11am on Monday, Alex Murray, electrical engineer, Hirstwood Cottage, Harthill, met with an accident on the haulage road of the Virtuewell seam in No 3 pit, Hirst Colliery, Salsburgh. He had been upon a bogie engaged in removing part of an electric coal cutting machine to the pithead when his shoulders came against the roof, causing his back to get bruised, and severe injury, probably fracture, of the vertebrae column in the lumbar region. He was attended to in the colliery office, then taken home, where he was examined by Dr John Miller, who ordered his removal to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. He was conveyed thither in a St Andrew's ambulance. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 6 November 1915]

20 December 1915

Cleland – Pit Manager Killed - While James Ramsay (41), under manager, who resided at County Houses, Parkside, Cleland, was at work in the Murdostoun Coal Company's Westwood colliery, Cleland, on Monday, lowering a coal-cutting machine from one section to another, he fell down the shaft to the pit bottom – a distance of 12 fathoms. He sustained injuries to which he succumbed soon afterwards. Deceased leaves a widow and family.[Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 25 December 1915]

14 February 1916

Shotts - Fatal Accident To A Boy – A sad accident occurred on Monday to a boy named Donald Robertson, age 14 years and 6 months, son of Mr Andrew Robertson, residing at Hawthorn Place, Dykehead, Shotts. It appears that the lad had been employed at Hurst Colliery washing machine, and got caught among the machinery and was dreadfully mangled. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 19 February 1916]

25 February 1916

Harthill – Colliery Accident – About 4.45am on Friday, 25 Feb, Wm A Stewart, coal cutting machineman, Main Street, Harthill, met with an accident in the West level of the Drumgray seam in No 11 pit Blairmuckhill Colliery, Harthill. A three-cornered stone about 12 inches long and of similar thickness fell from the face of the brushing on his right hand which was resting on the pavement, cutting and fracturing his little finger above the first joint and seriously injuring the third finger. He removed the stone and had his hand bandaged at the engine house on the surface. Dr Millar amputated part of the little finger and dressed the other wounds. Afterwards there were signs of blood poisoning, and he was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for further treatment. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 4 March 1916]

20 March 1916

Shotts – Serious Colliery Accident – A serious accident occurred on Monday afternoon to a miner named David Laird, residing at 103 Stane Place, Shotts, while engaged at work in Stane Pit, belonging to the Keppelhill Coy. He was in the act of stemming a shot when it exploded, with the result he was severely injured about the face and arms. He was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. - John Sloan, residing at Cowan's Land, while at the dook in Keppelhill Pit a large stone fell on him and he was severely injured about his back. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 25 March 1916]

17 May 1916

Fatal Accident - A fatal pit accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon to a miner named Isaac Robertson, residing at Dykehead. While at work in Baton Pit at the machine face a large stone fell on him, killing him instantaneously. He leaves a widow and family. [Hamilton Advertiser 20 May 1916]

23 July 1916

Harthill – Colliery Accident – About 1.30 on Saturday Alexander Weir, 51, a screeman, residing at Bankhead, Harthill, met with an accident while putting a driving belt on to the scree engine at No 2 Pit, Hirstrigg, Salsburgh, occupied by the Hirst Coal Coy., Ltd. His left foot got jammed between the sole plate of the engine and the driving crank, whereby the large and second toes of the foot were cut off. He was attended by Dr John Milton, Harthill, who after dressing his injuries, ordered his removal to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, where he was conveyed by motor car. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 29 July 1916]

23 December 1916

Shotts – Fatal Result of An Accident – A sad accident occurred last week to a young man (20) named Stephen Miller, son of Hugh Miller, residing at Southfield Avenue, Shotts, while at work in Beeton [sic] Colliery. He was so severely injured that he died shortly afterwards. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 30 December 1916]

25 December 1916

Fatal Mining Accident At Westcraigs – A mining accident, involving the death of one man and serious injury to another, was reported yesterday from Harthill. William Hogg Dickson (50), brushing contractor, and John Templeton (40) shaftsman, both residing at Westrigg near Westcraigs, were at work in an aircourse of Westrigg Colliery, belonging to the United Collieries, when they were buried in a fall of about 5 tons from the roof. Dickson was instantaneously killed and Templeton was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary suffering from fractured thigh and other injuries. [Scotsman 26 December 1916]

25 December 1916

Salsburgh – Mining Accident – About 9am on Monday William Gibson (15), a drawer, residing at Bridgend, Dykehead, met with an accident in the upper Drumgray seam in No 1 Pit, Hirstrigg, of the Hirst Coal Coy's Collieries at Salsburgh. He had been ascending the cousey brae with a loaded hutch when another one that had been in the lype at the top broke away and overtook him on the road. He was caught between the two and badly crushed, both his legs being jammed. He was attended to by Dr M'Millan, Shotts and removed to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 30 December 1916]

11 August 1917

Cleland – Fatal Accident – While at work in Bellside Colliery, Archibald M'Millan, 35, coal cutting machineman, Shawstonfoot, Cleland, was killed instantly by a stone weighing about 27 cwt falling from the roof and crushing him against the machine. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 August 1917]

19 November 1918

Fatal Colliery Accident - On Tuesday in Kepplehill Colliery, Shotts, a miner named James Watson married, residing at Easter Road, Dykehead, was killed, and another man Thomas Knott, was injured. A stone fell from the roof and pinned both men to the pavement. When extracted Watson was found to be dead, but Knott was not seriously injured. The latter was removed to his home in Springhill Road, Shotts. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 November 1918]

14 April 1919

Shotts – Fatal Colliery Accident – On Monday morning Samuel M'Lean, a miner, 39 years of age, residing at 239 Shotts Kirk Road, Dykehead, was accidentally killed in Baton Colliery, belonging to the Baton Collieries Ltd. He was engaged clearing away some dirt when a large stone from the roof fell on his head, causing a compound fracture of the skull, death being instantaneous. [Hamilton Advertiser 19 April 1919]

1 December 1919

Shotts – Fatal Accident – At the beginning of the week a distressing fatal accident occurred in Baton Colliery, belonging to the Baton Collieries Ltd, when Alexander M'Lean, a miner, who resided at Alexandria Place, Dykehead, was killed by a fall from the roof. [Hamilton Advertiser 6 December 1919]

13 January 1920

Cleland – Sad Occurrence – About 8.15 on Tuesday evening, Francis M'Nally, 19, labourer, Omoa Road Cleland, was found lying dead on a dirt bing at Murdostoun Colliery, death having been caused by electrocution. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 January 1920]

30 December 1920

Miner Killed at Harthill - George M'Callum (34), miner, 59 Victoria Street, Harthill, was the victim of a fall of rock in the Summerlee Company 's Muirhead colliery, Harthill, part of the stone having struck him on the head and fractured his skull. Death was instantaneous. Deceased is survived by a widow and two children. [Scotsman 1 January 1921]

18 March 1921

Manager and Engineer Fatally Injured - An accident of a distressing nature took place on Friday afternoon at Spindleside Colliery, Cleland, resulting in the death of Robert Mackay, colliery manager, The Cottage, Carlisle Road, Bellside, and Thomas Buchanan, electrical engineer, Calderbank. The two men were engaged lifting the so'e plate and cylinder of a haulage engine from a motor lorry on to a bogey with a jib crane, when part of the crane snapped, and the jib fell, striking the manager and the engineer. Mr Mackay sustained a fracture of the skull, and Mr Buchanan has his spine injured. Both were removed to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, where they died the same evening. The remains of Mr Mackay were laid to rest on Tuesday to Cambusnethan Cemetery. The funeral was a public one, and was attended by many members of the public. [Motherwell Times 25 March 1921]

21 April 1921

Shotts - Fatal Accident - Last Friday afternoon when Alexander M'Lean was about to descend to his work in Calderhead pit, he met with an accident, being crushed between the cage and the pithead. Death was instantaneous. Deceased had long army service and was in the Chitral Expedition. Time expired at the outbreak of the second Boer war, he volunteered and went on service. He was also on foreign service in the Great War. Deceased, who was 52 years of age, resided at Jordan Terrace. The funeral to Stane cemetery on Monday was largely attended by comrades of the British Legion, ex-servicemen, and the general public. [Hamilton Advertiser 29 April 1921]

26 July 1921

Brusher Killed - On Tuesday night, about 10 o’clock, Peter Allan (31), miner, who resided in lodgings at Willowbank Terrace, Alexander Street, Wishaw, lost his life while at work in Kingshill Colliery, Newmains, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company, Ltd. While engaged in brushing operations a stone came away from the roof and crushed him so severely that death was almost instantaneous. The accident happened within about half-an-hour of stopping time. Deceased was an ex-soldier, and originally came from Ireland. [Motherwell Times 29 July 1921]

10 May 1922

Cleland – Sad Fatality – On Wednesday morning a regrettable accident resulting in the death of a promising Cleland young man occurred at No 10 colliery belonging to the Auchinlea Coal Co., and situated about half a mile from Omoa Station. The man was Archibald MacDonald, age 25 years, eldest surviving son of Parish Councillor George MacDonald, Hareshaw, Cleland. About 8.45 on the morning of the accident deceased, whose usual employment was that of a roadsman, had been engaged at haulage work, and it is believed that after sending away a rake of hutches a fall occurred. On the hutches reaching the pit bottom the workmen there suspected from the condition of the last hutch that something untoward had happened. Investigation was made and it was discovered that deceased was pinned beneath a quantity of debris. A stone, which caused instantaneous death, had struck him on the temple. The funeral of the deceased, who was very popular in the district, takes place today to Shotts Kirk cemetery. It was only recently that the late Mr MacDonald took to the mining profession with a view to qualifying as a mine manager, towards which he had already secured a firemans certificate. He was very highly spoken of by his employers, and was a very popular and intelligent young man. Prior to the war he followed a business career in London, but on the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted and saw much active service particularly in the campaign in Northern Russia. His brother Pte John MacDonald, was killed in the ranks of the Royal Highlanders in 1918. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 May 1922]

19 September 1922

Cleland – Cleland Engineer Injured – About 1030 on Tuesday forenoon, George Moir Baillie, 22 engineer, 22 Fraser St, Cleland, met with a serious accident while at work at the pithead at No 12 Greenhill Colliery. He was repairing an empty hutch creeper and it is surmised (for no one actually saw the occurrence) that his clothing caught in a wheel on the revolving shaft and that he was whirled round before being thrown clear with practically all his clothes torn off. The manager, who was working on the stage above, happened to look down and he saw the plight of the young engineer, who was then lying unconscious. He immediately stopped the machinery and went to the man's assistance. Dr Logan who was sent for found that no bones had been broken, but one nasty wound on the injured man's head had to be stitched. He was also badly bruised about the body. Baillie was afterwards removed to the Royal Infirmary in Wishaw Ambulance waggon. On enquiry on Thursday we learned that his condition was more favourable. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 September 1922]

29 September 1922

SHOTTS MINER KILLED. - Shotts, Saturday. - John Johnstone, a brusher employed in Stane Pit, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company, was killed by a fall of material from the roof. Deceased, who was married, resided at Millmaker's Land, Dykehead. [Sunday Post 1 October 1922]

27 February 1923

Widow's Claim Against Coalmasters - Judgement was issued by Sheriff Macdiarmid yesterday in the case recently heard before him and a jury, in which Mrs Margaret Thomson or Sinnett, Whyte Street, Harthill, sought to recover compensation under the Employers' Liability Act from A. & G Anderson, coalmasters, in respect of the death of her husband through an explosion in the Blairmuchhill Pit, Harthill. The jury, after evidence, answered several questions submitted to them by the Court, and indicated that in the event of liability being established the sums to be awarded should be:- To Mrs Sinnett, £375 and £187, 10s. to each of her two children. The Sheriff-Substitute afterwards heard parties procurators on the application of the verdict of the jury, and in an interlocutor now issued finds that that verdict does not infer liability on the defenders for compensation under the Employers' Liability Act 1880. He therefore applies the verdict, and assoilzies the defenders from the crave of the petition, finding defenders entitled to expenses. [Scotsman 10 July 1924]

NB Moses Sinnet, coal cutting machineman died 27 February 1923 of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide after explosion.

21 January 1924

Shotts - Fatal Accident - On Monday morning a miner named Thomas Dearie, resident at Russell's Row, Fauldhouse, met with a fatal accident in Knowton Colliery, belonging to Messrs Barr & Thornton, Ltd. Dearie was proceeding to his work up an incline in the main haulage road when he was knocked down and pinned beneath a runaway hutch loaded with coal. When extricated he was found to be dead. The body was afterwards examined at the pit bottom by Dr S G Ogilvy, who certified death to be due to a fracture of the skull and other injuries. Dearie was 42 years of age and leaves a widow and five children, for whom much sympathy is felt. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 January 1924]

29 February 1924

Harthill Miner Falls Down Shaft - The death is reported from Salsburgh of David Anderson (21), pit bottomer, c/o Thomas Anderson (his uncle), Crossroads, Harthill, by falling down the shaft of Dewshill Colliery, where he was employed. He had been on the cage at the Ball coal seam bottom, along with a hutch of coal, when somehow he overbalanced and fell with the hutch to the sump, about 90 feet below. Death had been instantaneous. [Scotsman 4 March 1924]

12 April 1924

Colliery Under-Manager’s Tragic Death - The death took place in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, on Saturday, of Mr. Alec Baird, under-manager of Bellside Colliery, Cleland and is supposed to have been due to shock sustained through imagining that a fall of coal had taken place. Mr Baird, who was about fifty years of age, was crawling along the coal face when suddenly a terrific report occurred, caused by a charge of gelignite having been fired. The under-manager was immediately rendered unconscious. Doctors who examined him at the colliery shortly after the accident came to the conclusion that Mr Baird, who was thoroughly conversant with the dangers of being in close proximity to where shots were fired, had sustained a severe shock from the fear that a fall of coal had taken place. He was only slightly injured. Mr Baird resided at Westwood Road, Newmains. [Motherwell Times 18 April 1924]

15 May 1924

Fatal Accidents Inquiries - On Friday, before Sheriff Macdiarmid and a mixed jury, at Airdrie, inquiries were held into several fatal accidents which had occurred during the past month. Among the inquiries were the following :- John M’Lusky, miner, Linrigg Rows, Newhouse, by Holytown, who died on 15th May at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow from the effect of injuries sustained while employed on 20th December, 1923, in the Drumgray seam of No. 1 Pit, DewshiIl Colliery, Salsburgh, of the Coltness Iron Co., Ltd., by falling and cutting his right knee on a hutch rail. ……. The jury returned a formal verdict in each case. [Motherwell Time 18 July 1924]

5 August 1924

Cleland – Miner Killed - While at work a hole-borer In No. 10 Pit, belonging to the Auchinlea Coal Company, Limited, Cleland, Robert Spence (49), Greenhill, by Cleland, was accidentally killed on Tuesday night. He was just finishing his shift about 8 pm, when a fall of roof occurred, completely burying him. Although a squad of men worked continuously in an effort to rescue the unfortunate man, it was after four o’clock on Wednesday morning before his body could be reached. Death must have been instantaneous, as he was badly injured. Spence is survived by a widow and grown-up family. A sad feature is that he had only commenced work that day, having been idle for several months. [Motherwell Times 8 August 1924]

26 January 1925

Salsburgh - Miner Killed - On Monday night an unmarried man, Samuel Armstrong, who resided with his sister at West Row, Salsburgh, was killed in Dewshill Colliery (Coltness Iron Co. Ltd.). He was engaged stripping coal in the Smithy Coal Seam when, through an unforeseen lipe the whole place collapsed, completely burying him under several tons of debris. His mates, hearing him crying, worked strenuously to extricate him, but he was dead when taken out. Two nephews, who were working with him, had narrow escapes, one being completely buried, but was rescued without serious injury. [Hamilton Advertiser 31 January 1925]

8 April 1925

Harthill - Fatal Colliery Accident - A sad accident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Blairmuckhole [sic] Colliery, Harthill (A. and G. Anderson Ltd.) whereby John Wright, miner, 35 Main Street, Harthill, lost his life. The day shift had finished and the men were making their way to the pit bottom, along the main haulage road, when a heavy fall of roof took place. It was at first through all were clear, and it was only when checking the lamps returned that Wright was discovered to be missing. A party of men made for each side of the fall and after an hour of strenuous work came on his mangled, lifeless body. He leaves a widow and three young children. Along with his brothers he was joint owner of Harthill Picture House. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 April 1925]

2 October 1926

Shotts Colliery Fireman Burned - Early on Saturday morning, David Weir, a colliery fireman, residing at 58 Southfield Avenue, Shotts, met with an accident in the course of his duty in Northfield Colliery. He had been preparing a shot, when from some unknown cause an explosion occurred. He was burned about the face, hands, arm, and back. After receiving medical attention he was removed to his home. [Scotsman 4 October 1926]

30 November 1926

Coal Mining Accident – Shotts Man Killed - Lachlan Black, jun., a coal-cutting machineman, residing at 29 Torbothie Road, Shotts, was killed on Tuesday night in Northfield Colliery, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company (Ltd.) The machine which he was attending rebounded, and he was pulled into the wheel. The body was much mutilated. [Scotsman 2 December 1926]

January 1927

Salsburgh Colliery Accidents – On Friday last an elderly workman named Walter Watson, Chapelhall, suffer severe internal injuries by being caught in the shafting of the screening plant at Hirstrigg Colliery, Salsburgh. The unfortunate man had all his clothing torn into shreds. He was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. - On Monday afternoon a chain runner named Andrew Smillie, West Row, Salsburgh, was injured whilst following his employment in Fortissat Colliery, Salsburgh. He was taken home by motor where on examination his injuries were found to be less serious than was at first thought. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 January 1927]

24 January 1927

Shotts – Accident – On Tuesday afternoon, about one o'clock, Andrew Whitefield, an unmarried man residing in Jordan Terrace, was severely injured about the head while at work in Calderhead Colliery by a stone which fell from the roof. After medical attention had been given he was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 29 January 1927]

14 February 1927

Shotts – Miner Severely Injured – Early on Monday morning, William M'Lean, shot firer, while at work in Calderhead Colliery, Shotts, met with a serious accident by the explosion, through some unknown cause, of a box of detonators. His right hand was badly shattered and he also sustained injuries to his left hand and face. After medical attention he was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 19 February 1927]

25 February 1927

Harthill – Miner Killed – On Friday last, Matthew Swan, 68 West Benhar, Harthill, was accidentally killed in Hassockrigg Colliery, belonging to Coltness Iron Co Ltd. He was employed as a machineman and was just finishing his shift when he was struck by a large stone which came away from the roof. He was unmarried and resided with his parents, for whom much sympathy is felt. The funeral took place in Shotts-kirk cemetery on Monday, and, despite the stormy conditions prevailing was largely attended by the general public, as well as the Orange Order, of which deceased was a member. Both male and female Lodges of the Orange Order turned out, and the pall bearers carried the coffin shoulder high for over a mile before placing it in the hearse. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 March 1927]

12 October 1927

Wormen's Compensation -Shotts Company's Appeal - In the House of Lors yesterday, the Lord Chancellor, Viscount Dunedin, and L.ords Shaw, Buckmaster. and Carson reserved judgement in the appeal of the Shotts Iron Co, (Ltd.) against an interlocutor of the First Division of the Court of Session which affirmed an award of Sheriff-Substitute Marcus Dods at Airdrie. who allowed not only the ordinary "lump sum " compensation, but also the additional "children's allowance" in respect, of the eight brothers and sisters of Thos. Curson, a workman who met with a fatal accident while in the employment of the appellants, in such circumstances as to give rise to a claim by his dependants for workmen's compensation. The Company contended that the words”child”' and "children" in the Act of 1925 meant the immediate descendant or descendants of the workman. [Scotsman 23 November 1928]

7 September 1928

Salsburgh - Miner Electrocuted - On Friday last, Adam Wilson, brusher, 7 Janetta Place, Dykehead, met with a shocking death by electrocution while following his employment in Dewshill Colliery, Salsburgh. He was engaged, along with some other workmen, in shifting the loader in what is known as the “pan run” section, when, for some reason, a cable which conveys the current to the machine was accidentally bared, and came in contact with Wilson through the bogie. Death was instantaneous. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 September 1928]

3 February 1929

Salsburgh - Miner Injured - While following his employment in Dewehill Colliery on Sunday evening, Simon Thomson, West Row, Salsburgh, was caught by a fall from the roof of the coal face. After being extricated he was taken to the pithead, where, on being examined by Dr Dunn, he was removed by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, suffering from severe internal injuries. On enquiry it was learned that he was progressing favourably, but the extent of his injuries could not be definitely stated at present owing to swelling. [Hamilton Advertiser 9 February 1929]

20 March 1929

Fatal Accident Inquiry - Sheriff Macdonald and a jury inquired into a number of fatal accidents on Monday at the Sheriff Court, Hamilton. Formal verdicts were returned with regards to the deaths of - Thomas Delaney, miner, 133 Hamilton Street, Stane, who died from blood poisoning caused by an injury to his hand received while working in Northfield Colliery. Shotts. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 May 1929]

31 March 1929

Shotts Pit Accident – Four Miners Injured - Four men were injured by burning in Kingshill colliery, Allanton, near Shotts, last evening, the cause of the accident, it is believed, being the ignition of an accumulation of gas. Two of the men, Alexander M'Kissock and Alexander Hamilton, jun., were removed to the Royal Infirmary. Glasgow, and Alexander Hamilton, sen., and William Kennedy, who were not so severely injured, were taken to their homes. [Scotsman 1 April 1929]

22 April 1929

Cleland Miner Killed – While at work in Spindleside Colliery, Cleland, Lanarkshire, yesterday afternoon, Thomas Sommerville, 30 who resided with his father at 59 Main Street, Cleland, was struck by a fall of stone, and was instantaneously killed. Deceased, who was unmarried, was well known in local junior football circles. [Scotsman 23 April 1929]

Cleland - Miner Killed - While finishing his shift on Monday, Thomas Sommerville, Main Street, Cleland, met his death by being crushed by a fall of roof in Spindleside Colliery, locally known as “The Midge.” Deceased, who was well known in junior football circles, was for some time goal keeper for Cleland Juniors. He was unmarried and lived with his widowed mother. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place to Shotts Kirkyard on Wednesday afternoon. [Hamilton Advertiser 27 April 1929]

Fatal Accident Inquiry - Sheriff Macdonald and a jury inquired into a number of fatal accidents on Monday at the Sheriff Court, Hamilton. Formal verdicts were returned with regards to the deaths of - Thomas Sommerville, miner 59 Main Street, Cleland, killed by a fall of the roof in the Kiltongue seam of Spindleside Colliery, Cleland on 22nd April [Hamilton Advertiser 11 May 1929]

7 November 1929

Mine Fatality At Harthill - John M'Clennie (40), a miner, residing at Bankhead Cottages, Harthill, was seriously injured, yesterday afternoon by being crushed between hutches in Blairmuckhill Colliery, Harthill. He was brought to the surface suffering from internal injuries, and died while being conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He leaves a widow and young family. [Scotsman 8 November 1929]

29 March 1930

Salsburgh - Caught in Machinery - While Peter Gibson, Hirst Cottage, Salsburgh, was working about the screening plant at Hirstrigg Colliery on Saturday last, he was caught by a belt pulley, and had his clothing practically torn from his body, sustaining a fractured arm and other injuries which necessitated his removal to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He is progressing favourably. Mr Gibson is well known as a local lay preacher, having deputised on many occasions for most of the ministers in the district. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 April 1930]

22 April 1930

Shotts - Colliery Accident - Hume McNair, residing at Nithsdale Street, Shotts, and employed underground at Baton Collieries, was knocked down by a runaway train of hutches, on Tuesday last, and badly hurt. He sustained a fractured leg and other bruises. He was conveyed to the Infirmary by ambulance. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 April 1930]

4 July 1930

Miner Fatally Crushed - Joseph Storrie, 27 years of ago, Shotts Kirk Road, Dykehead, who on Thursday afternoon was seriously injured by being crushed between a full hutch and a rake of loaded hutches in Hillhouseridge Colliery, Shotts, died from his injuries in Glasgow Royal Infirmary yesterday. [Scotsman 5 July 1930]

25 December 1930

Miner Killed – While at work in Branchal Colliery, Newmains, Lanarkshire, about 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon, John M'Gowan, 25, Thistle Lea Cottage, Morningside, Lanarkshire, was almost instantaneously killed by a fall of stone. [Scotsman 26 December 1930]

27 January 1931

Shotts Miner Killed – While at work in Hassockridge Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company Ltd. John Swan aged 26 years, was buried under a fall from the roof. When his body was recovered life was found to be extinct, death being due to suffocation. Deceased, who was a young man, resided at Eastfield, Harthill. [Scotsman 28 January 1931]

13 February 1931

Shotts Boy Killed - A distressing fatal accident occurred yesterday at Rimmon Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company. A young lad, Andrew Britton, aged 14 1/2 years, who was engaged at the screening plant, had his clothing caught in a revolving shaft and he was whirled round to instant death. The lad only commenced work on Tuesday of this week, and resided with his stepfather, George M'Lean, at Hamilton Street, Shotts. [Scotsman 14 February 1931]

7 May 1932

Shotts Miner Killed - Four hundred miners employed at Northfield Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company (Ltd.), were idle yesterday as a mark of sympathy following the accidental death late on Sunday night of David Gardner (45), 7 Stane Place, Shotts, who was killed by a fall of roof while at work in the colliery. Gardner was married. [Scotsman 10 May 1932]

30 January 1933

Harthill Pit Fatality - John Ferguson, a young married engineer, residing at 29 Clyde Drive, Mossend, was fatally injured while at work at South Blair Mine, Harthill, yesterday. His right leg was caught in the machinery of the screening plant, and was amputated before he could be extricated. He was removed to Glasgow: Royal Infirmary, where he died late in the afternoon. [Scotsman 31 January 1933]

2 December 1933

Fatal Accident in Allanton - While at work in Kingshill Colliery, Allanton, near Shotts, about 1.30 pm on Saturday, Peter Fraser, Young Street, Wishaw, was killed by a fall of stone. Fraser, who was unmarried, resided with his widowed mother. [Scotsman 4 December1933]

7 September 1934

Shotts Miner Killed - Patrick Close (36), coal machineman, 39 Rosehall Road, Shotts, was accidentally killed while at work in Baton Colliery Shotts, early yesterday morning by a fall of stone. Dr T. Mackinlay descended the pit and proceeded to the coal face to render assistance but Close was dead when extricated. As a mark of respect. the miners at the colliery remained idle for the day. [Scotsman 8 September 1934]

14 January 1935

Newmains Miner Killed – David Bell, 35, was killed by a fall of stone while at work in Kingshill Colliery No 1, Allanton, Shotts, yesterday. Deceased, a married man, lived at Morningside, Newmains. [Scotsman 15 January 1935]

4 April 1935

Two Miners Killed - Buried by Fall of Debris at Shotts Colliery - A serious accident involving the deaths of two Shotts miners occurred early yesterday morning at Hassockridge Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company (Ltd.) The dead men were:- Thomas Naylas, 47 years, married, of 21 Hunter Street, Shotts, and Patrick Warner, 25 years, single, of 9 Hunter Place, Shotts. Naylas and Warner were working together at the rear of a coal-cutting machine when a fall of nearly five tons of debris took place, pinning both men to the pavement and burying them. At first it was thought that Warner was elsewhere in the section, but it was soon realised that he too was buried. After an hour's work both men were extricated, and were found to be dead death being due to suffocation. Naylas leaves a widow and a family of nine. As a mark of respect, the miners employed at the colliery were idle yesterday. [Scotsman 5 April 1935]

14 December 1935

Miner Fatally Injured By Fall of Debris - George Cranston, miner, who resided at Thorndean, Omoa Road, Cleland, was fatally injured while at work in the Humph coal section of Broomside Colliery, Motherwell, on Saturday afternoon, being buried by a fall of debris. He was extricated after two hours work by a rescue party, but life was found to be extinct. Deceased leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 16 December 1935]

15 March 1936

Death Closes Colliery - Fortissat Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Co. (Ltd.), was idle yesterday owing to the death of Peter M'Leod (34), married, a machineman, who resided at 19 Easter Road, Dykehead, Shotts, and who was killed while at work on Sunday night. M'Leod was preparing the machine for cutting when it "kicked." His skull was fractured. [Scotsman 17 March 1936]

7 May 1936

Joseph Duffy, 28 years of age, married, a coat-cutting machineman, residing in lodgings at 28 Easter Row, Dykehead, Shotts, died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary yesterday from injuries received early in the morning while at work in Hassockridge Colliery, Shotts. Duffy sustained a broken leg, with arm and shoulder injuries, when the machine “kicked.” At Calderhead Colliery, Shotts, yesterday, John Watters, 27 years of age, residing at Torbothic Road, Shotts, an oncost worker, sustained a fractured thigh bone through being thrown off a haulage bogey. He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 8 May 1936]

26 November 1936

David Gemmell, 10 White Street, Harthill, who was admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on September 23, died yesterday morning as a result of his injuries. He was struck by a stone while at work in Blairmuckhill Colliery. [Scotsman 27 November 1936]

Lanarkshire Fatalities - The jury returned a similar verdict [formal verdict] regarding David Baird Gemmell, miner 10 Whyte Street, Harthill, who died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in November as a result of an accident at the upper Drumgray seam of Noll Blairmuckhill Colliery, Harthill. Gemmell was stated to have fired a shot, and to have been found by another workman lying in the roadway. He told the witness that a stone weighing about 14cwts had fallen on him. He had worked himself clear. His spine was fractured, and he had other injuries. [Scotsman 12 January 1937]

21 March 1937

William Boland (56), 25 Springhill Buildings, Stane, Shotts, was accidentally killed while at work on Sunday night in Southfield Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company. Boland, who was employed as a shotfirer was working alone at the time of the accident and was killed instantly. It has not yet been ascertained how the accident occurred. [Scotsman 23 March 1937]

13 April 1937

Shotts Colliery Accident - Six Men Injured by Runaway Hutches - Six miners were injured yesterday at Calderhead No. 3 Colliery, Shotts, which belongs to the Shotts Iron Co (Ud ). They were W. Fairley, 13 Melford Avenue, Shotts, who sustained injuries to the back and legs and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary; J. Buggy, 32 High Street, Shotts; D. Britten, Torbothie Road, Shotts; D. M'Phee, 6 Bon Accord Crescent ,Shotts; J. Clark, Eastfield, Harthill and D Brown Eastfield, Harthill, all of whom suffered from severe bruising and cuts, and were taken home after medical attention. The accident occurred when full hutches were being taken to the top of an incline. Near the top of the incline the chain broke. The men working at the foot of the incline failed to hear the approach of the runaway hutches owing to the noise of a nearby pump. All of them including five others who were uninjured, had a miraculous escape from death as the roadway at the place of the accident is so narrow that very little space was open for escape. [Scotsman 14 April 1937]

9 April 1938

Two Miners Injured At Shotts - Henry Hughes (47), miner, of 27 Bon Accord Crescent, Dykehead, Shotts, was injured on Saturday while at work in Baton Pit, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company, Ltd. Hughes was on the haulage road walking towards the pit bottom with several workmates when they heard the approach of a hutch which had become uncoupled from the rake. The men jumped aside but Hughes was struck, and both his legs were severely bruised. John Waddell, miner, of Shell Street, Fauldhouse, was injured on Saturday while at work in Southfield Colliery, Shotts. A stone fell from the roof injuring his right side and leg. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 11 April 1938]

18 April 1938

Miners Injured By A Fall of Stone - Two miners were seriously injured while at work in Hirstrigg Colliery, near Shotts, yesterday. They were Robert Findlay (20), Hurst Cottage, by Harthill, and Andrew Robertson (41), a married man, who lived at Cross Roads, Harthill. Both were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where it was found that Findlay was suffering from injuries to the right hand and left leg and from shock. Robertson sustained severe injuries to the right hand and back, and also suffered from shock. The accident happened when a fall of stone occurred in their working place. [Scotsman 19 April 1938]

17 May 1938

Shotts Colliery Fatality - William Blackley (60), a haulageman, residing at 11 Clyde Drive, Shotts, was fatally injured yesterday morning while commencing his work in Northfield Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company. It is thought that Blackley was in the act of oiling his haulage engine, and must have slipped against the machinery. He sustained severe wounds to the abdomen and chest. Blackley leaves a widow and two daughters. [Scotsman 18 May 1938]

18 February 1939

Fatal Accident In A Cleland Pit - One man was fatally injured, and his companion had a narrow escape, in an accident at Spoutcroft Mine Cleland, on Saturday. The two men, Alexander Watchman (29), Lauchope Street, and Thomas M'Pake (19), 22 Main Street both of Chapelhall, Lanarkshire, were controlling a rake of hutches proceeding up an incline underground when the rope gave way. Watchman was the first to realise the danger, and shouted to his companion to jump clear. M'Pake acted on the warning, and found refuge in the entrance to an adjoining pit road. He escaped with slight injuries to the left shoulder and the left hand. Watchman received the full force of the impact of the foremost hutch and was knocked down. He died later in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. [Scotsman 20 February 1939]

30 March 1939

Shotts Miner Killed - Just before finishing his shift yesterday in Calderhead Colliery, Shotts, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company, Ltd., Henry Scroggie, miner, 34, married, residing at 3 Greystonelea Row, Dykehead, Shotts. was caught by a fall of stone, and died from his injuries before he could be taken to hospital. [Scotsman 31 March 1939]

5 July 1939

Miner Dies From Injuries - The death has taken place in Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Robert Walker, miner, aged 45, of 4 Stables Road, Shotts, who was injured while at work in Southfield Colliery, Shotts, over a fortnight ago by a fall of stone. [Scotsman 6 July 1939]

21 July 1939

While working yesterday, in Benhar Colliery, Harthill, Richard Stewart, 47, underground fireman, residing at Bertram Street, Harthill, sustained injuries to his left arm when crushed between two runaway hutches. After being medically treated at the pithead, he was removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 22 July 1939]

25 July 1939

While working yesterday in Hirstrigg Colliery. Salsburgh, Walter Wilson (34), 223 Muirhall Terrace, Salsburgh, sustained injuries to his back and chest, when he was pinned beneath a fall from the roof. After being medically treated, he was removed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Scotsman 26 July 1939]

6 October 1939

Colliery Fatality - Robert Gordon, a colliery machineman residing at Bonkle, Newmains, was killed in Kingshill Colliery, Allanton, Shotts, yesterday morning by a fall of stone. As a mark of respect 800 miners employed at the colliery immediately stopped work for the day. [Scotsman 7 October 1939]

15 December 1939

Pit Fatality - William Leckie (47), 25 Blackcroft Terrace, Salsburgh, was fatally injured when he was pinned beneath a stone which fell from the roof while he was working in Hassockrigg Colliery, Harthill. [Scotsman 16 December 1939]

29 June 1940

Colliery Fatality - While working on Saturday in Dewshill Colliery, Salsburgh George Findlay (30), coal cutting machineman, of Muirhill Terrace, Salsburgh, was killed instantly when a stone fell from the roof. Deceased is survived by his wife and one child. [Scotsman 1 July 1940]

10 September 1940

Shotts Pit Explosion - One man was killed and another was seriously injured when an explosion occurred in the Stane Pit, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company, Ltd., last night. The men, James Hughes, 51 Newarthill Road, Carfin, and Patrick Downs, 16 Hill Terrace, Carfin, who were employed as brushers, were seriously hurt when a shot exploded. They were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where Hughes died shortly after admission. The condition of Downs is regarded as critical. [Scotsman 11 September 1940]

8 November 1940

Harthill – Mine Fatality – While at work on the surface at Netherton Mine, Harthill, on 8th inst., John Scouller (60), 2 White[law] Street, Westcraigs, was caught by a travelling chain. So severe were his injuries that he died immediately. The funeral took place on Monday to Woodbank Cemetery. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 November 1940]

6 and 8 February 1941

Colliery Fatalities – Duncan Crawford (45), a colliery machineman, 13 Quarry Street, Dykehead, Shotts, was killed while at work at Calderhead Colliery, Shotts. Crawford was struck by a large stone which fell from the side. George King (37), miner, 6 Easter Road, Shotts, has died in a Glasgow infirmary from injuries received while at work in Baton Colliery, Shotts. He received severe internal injuries when a fall of roof took place. [Scotsman 11 February 1941]

18 February 1941

DYING MAN SAVES THREE LIVES - SCOTTISH PIT CAGE CRASH AVERTED - The presence of mind of a winding engineman in his dying moments saved the lives of three young miners at Stane Colliery, Shotts. Workers were descending the pit shaft when Alexander M'Culloch (66), the engineman, of 301 Bogside Road, Newmains, collapsed. Before he died he put in the lever which stopped the cage in mid-shaft. Three young miners - David Hamilton (18), John Hughes (18), and Robert Young (17)-- who were in the cage at the time, were left suspended for about 15 minutes, while inquiry was made at the engine house to ascertain what was wrong. M'Culloch was found lying dead, and a hurried search had to be made to secure another engineman to bring the youths to the surface. [Dundee Courier 19 February 1941]

17 March 1941

Pit Fatality At Shotts. — Charles Bradie (55), a colliery machineman, 4 Calder Drive, Shotts, was accidentally killed while at work in Calderhead Colliery. Shotts, on Monday night. He was crushed between the coal cutter and a pit prop. [Scotsman 19 March 1941]

22 April 1941

Pit Fatality - One man was killed and another man was injured yesterday while working in Dewshill Colliery, Salsburgh. The dead man was Robert Earl (27), who lived at Main Street, Salsburgh. The injured, man is Alexander Dewar (27) of Chapel Street, Cleland. The men had almost completed their shift when a fall of roof occurred in their working place, burying both men beneath it. When extricated, Earl was found to be dead. [Scotsman 23 April 1941]

17 June 1941

Pit Fatality - While working yesterday in Benhar Colliery, Harthill, Thomas M'Master (23) who lived at Breslin Terrace, Eastfield, Harthill, was instantly killed when he was pinned beneath a fall of roof. [Scotsman 18 June 1941]

24 November 1941

While working last night in the Benhar Colliery, Harthill, John Perry (50) brusher, who lived at Old Eastfield, Harthill was struck by a fall of stone and instantly killed. [Scotsman 25 November 1941]

9 October 1945

Salsburgh - Pit Fatality - On the afternoon shift on Tuesday John McDowell (70), Learigg, Salsburgh, was fatally injured whilst at work in Stane Colliery, Shotts. Deceased resided with a married daughter and was a native of Shotts. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 October 1945]

16 December 1946

Harthill - Pit Fatality - Patrick Cosgrove (47), 61 Victoria Street, Harthill, was fatally injured when he was crushed by a coal cutting machine which he was operating in Benhar Colliery early on Monday morning. Some 600 workmen remained idle for the day as a mark of respect. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 December 1946]