Terrible Explosion
AT ABERSYCHAN.
180 LIVES LOST.
About half-past eight on Thursday morning, February
6th, 1890, a terrible explosion occurred at the Llanerch
Colliery, Taly wain, near Abersychan. The colliers, about
230 in number, had only about commenced their day's
work when the disaster occurred. The firemen having
reported the pit free from gas, it is believed a sudden
large blower must have been the cause, by coming into
contact with the naked lights used in the pit. Great
damage was caused at the pit-head. Rescue parties were
formed immediately, but their work was much hindered
by falls and after damp. By Friday night 167 bodies had
been brought to the surface, and several are still missing.
The total loss of life is expected to reach 180. The
colliery is owned by Messrs. Partridge, Jones, & Co.,
Limited, of Newport, and is excellently fitted up with all
the latest improvements in machinery and plant.
What mean all these groans and wailing,
And the mourning which I see?
Young and old are sadly wailing-
Gone are all their thoughts of glee;
Why are wives and children sorrowing-
Why can none give them relief?
Listen now, and I will tell you
What has caused this painful grief.
