Accidents to 1870

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

8 June 1831

About 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning, an explosion of fire damp took place in a coal pit at Keppisbyre, in a neighbourhood of Airdrie, belonging to the Messrs Frew, by which a lad about 15 years of age, of the name of Peter Campbell, lost his life, and Peter Gentles, Alexander MacLaren, and James Young, were most dreadfully scorched and bruised. The explosion was heard upwards of a mile from the scene of the accident, and its violence may be estimated from the fact, that the erection at the pit mouth has been totally destroyed; so much so, indeed that the unfortunate sufferers had to be taken out by another route. We have heard that a similar occurrence took place about the same time at Gartsherrie Colliery; but the details have not reached us, nor have we learned whether, in either instance, the explosion was the effect of carelessness on the part of the men. [Scotsman 11 June 1831]

10 August 1846

Fatal Accident. - On Monday last, between one and two o'clock, a terrible explosion took place at Rawyards, No. 3 pit, by which two persons, a man and a boy, were instantaneously hurried into eternity, and another boy severely burned. The shock of the explosion was felt by individuals at a considerable distance from the pit mouth while sitting at their firesides. Great excitement was felt from a knowledge of the fact, that about 15 workers were in the pit at the time, and immediately a dense crowd collected at round the place, so that the operations of those attempting to give assistance were much impeded. Considerable delay was caused on account of the slides having been shattered by the concussion, so that the cage would neither go up nor down. The explosion occurred in the coal workings in which were two men and a boy. The other 12 men wrought at the ironstone, about 13 fathoms above the coal. They suffered no injury. The first got out was Daniel Gray, son of James Gray, smith, Rawyards ; a boy named Miller, son of the pitheadman, was next got out, quite dead; and then Allan Robert, the oversman, whose lamp the fire had first caught. Besides being dreadfully scorched, one, if not both, of his legs was broken, and his head was severely cut. It seems that no coal had been wrought in the place for eight days before that time, and a common, instead of a Davy, lamp had been used by the oversman. Praise is due to Mr. James Adam, Rawyards, and Mr. John Wilson, Airdrie, who boldly ventured down to rescue the wretched sufferers below. Mr Wilson, who had gone down three times, was latterly much exhausted, from having inhaled some of the black damp. [Glasgow Herald 14 August 1846]

12 December 1846

Explosion of Fire Damp.- Three Men Killed. - It is our painful duty to record another of those fearful accidents which so frequently spread misery and death amongst our mining population. It appears that on the morning of Saturday, the 12th instant, the miners employed at the Shankrey Muir limestone pit, (belonging to Messrs. A. & J. Baird, of Bedley Lime Works,) went down the pit at the usual time. In consequence, however, of their entertaining a suspicion that fire damp had accumulated in the workings, they delayed proceeding to their work until the arrival of the overseer, who came down the shank about eight o'clock. On finding the workmen congregated at the pit bottom, and learning the cause, he taunted them with cowardice, and told them to follow him upon which he and several of the workmen, with naked lamps, proceeded into the suspected workings; the consequence of which was a terrific explosion, which destroyed the lives of the overseer and two of his companions, severely scorched other three, and by its force tore a part of the pithead frame from it's fastenings, and threw it to a considerable distance. It is said that the pit had not previously been much disturbed by fire damp, but, on the day before the accident, part of the workings had blasted, by which a man was burned, which gave rise to the fears of the workmen. The names of the unfortunate individuals who have lost their lives on this occasion, are John Dawson, overseer ; William Horn, and Gavin Irvine, miners - Airdrie Advertiser. [Glasgow Herald 28 December 1846]

6 October 1847

We are informed that on Wednesday morning last, when the colliers proceeded to their work in a pit in the immediate precincts of Airdrie, they found lying at the bottom the mangled bodies of 3 young men. The deceased we learn are tradesmen belonging to Calder Bank and had been drinking deep in Airdrie on the preceding night. There is little reason to doubt they had stumbled down the pit by accident. [Scotsman 14 October 1847]

10 February 1853

John Sloan and Charles McCart pleaded not guilty to a charge of culpable homicide, and also culpable violation or neglect of duty in so far as, they being employed in No 3 ironstone pit, Palace Craig, in the Parish of Old Monkland and the Shire of Lanark, a drawer and putter respectively, they did on the 10th day of February, 1853, in a violation of duty, push a loaded hutch from a side or branch road, and let it down by a rope on a heading road or incline with an undue degree of speed, in consequence of which the loaded hutch came in collision with an empty hutch in charge of Richard Deans, drawer in said pit, by which he received such injuries that he died on the 14th day of February, 1853. The prisoners pleaded not guilty. After the examination of a number of witnesses, the Advocate Depute abandoned the charge against the putter, McCart. The jury returned a verdict of culpable neglect of duty against Sloan, and he was sentenced to three months imprisonment. [Herald May 9 1853]

The Accused:

Charles McCard, son of Elizabeth Wilson or McCard widow, age 20, putter, residing with his mother, Aitchison Street, Airdrie (native of County Tyrone, Ireland)

John Sloan, age 28, drawer, Hillhead, Old Monkland (native of County Antrim, Ireland) [Source NAS catalogue]

3 July 1855

On the forenoon of Tuesday the 3rd inst., Alexander Cook, a drawer was killed in the Rawyards No 5 coal pit. The man was in the act of placing a hutch on the cage at the humph coal seam, when the enginekeeper suddenly lifted the cage without signal, and both the man and the hutch were dashed to the bottom, a distance of 40 fathoms. It were needles to say that the man was instantly deprived of life. He left a wife and five children to mourn his loss. Robert Young the enginekeeper was at once arrested and lodged in prison on a charge of culpable neglect of duty. [Glasgow Herald July 6 1855]

6 August 1855

Fatal Accident – A man named Joseph Simpson was killed while at work in Mr Livingstones pit, Flowerhill, on Monday last by a stone falling from the roof. We understand the accident was a result of his own carelessness. He has left a widow and one child. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser August 11 1855]

7 August 1855

A Man Killed – On the morning of Tuesday last, a man named Robert Wright was killed in No 3 pit, in the Race Course Airdrie. The deceased, after kindling the match, was ascending from a shot, when, it is supposed, looking over the kettle to see if the match was burning, his head came in contact with the bucket-door and he was precipitated to the bottom; he was killed on the spot. We understand it was only the second day he had been working in the pit. He has left a widow and five children to mourn his fate. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser August 11 1855]

20 September 1855

Airdrie Fatal Accident - On the afternoon of Thursday week, William Bissell , a pitheadman on the No 5 Cliftonhill, fell down the pit and was killed. The distance he fell was 55 fathoms.[Glasgow Herald October 1 1855]

NB mine inspectors report gives name as Russell

29 September 1855

Boy killed - On Saturday afternoon, James Boyd, a lad of fifteen years of age, was running some empty hutches for his own amusement along the pithead of the Whitehill Coal Pit, near Airdrie. Going too near the pitmouth with his hutch, he was carried into the pit, and dashed to the bottom, a distance of nine fathoms or thereby. He was so much injured that he died a few minutes after being got out of the pit.[Glasgow Herald October 1 1855]

21 May 1858

Three Men Buried Alive – Miraculous Escape - An accident occurred on Friday last in one of the Garnkirk Company's clay pits at Garnkirk, occasioned by the falling in of a portion of the roof of the pit, whereby two men and a lad, named respectively James Moore, William Christie, and James Christie (the latter only thirteen years of age), were buried in the pit. They were employed at the south workings of the pit, when suddenly a portion of the roof of the room in which they were engaged fell in, completely enclosing them in the vacant space and shutting them out from the main roads. They immediately began operations to free themselves from their prison-house ; but they had only been a short time engaged in the attempt when they heard another fall of a part of the roof of the main road. This second casualty had a great effect on the spirits of the poor men, who thought all hopes of escape were now useless, and gave themselves up for lost. The pit at this part is about sixty feet deep, and immediately on the accident being observed, energetic measures were resorted to by the workmen for the purpose of rescuing their companions. A “working” or mine was commenced, and by dint of eager labour the men were rescued on Monday morning about one o'clock, after a passage of about fifty yards in length had been made. The men when communicated with were found to be in a very exhausted state, but fortunately they are all recovering. - Glasgow Herald. [Scotsman 29 May 1858]

17 January 1859

Man Killed – On Saturday last a miner named John Donaldson, residing at Faskine, was killed while at work in No 7 Pit, Palacecraig, by a fall of stone from the roof, which it is said had not been properly secured. He was married, and has left a widow and family. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser January 22 1859]

21 February 1859

Coal Pit Accident – Thomas Gemmell, collier, residing at Burnbrae, while at work on Monday in No 3 coal pit, Rochsolloch, received such injury by a fall of stone from the roof of the pit, as to be considered in a very dangerous state. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

NB Thomas Gemmell died February 21 1859 at Burn Brae Road, Airdrie

22 February 1859

Accident – John Wilson, collier, Ballochney, was severely hurt on Tuesday last, when going to ascend No 1 coal pit, Meadowhead, the property of Provost Davidson. It seems that two other men were on the cage for the purpose of ascending the shaft. They had rung the bell and as the cage was ascending, Wilson attempted to jump on, but missing, was caught at the doorhead. His collar bone is broken and his body very severely bruised. He is not expected to recover. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

7 March 1859

Fatal Pit Accident – On Monday afternoon about 3 o'clock John Dodds, employed by Messrs Robertson and Eddie, coalmasters in their pit No 3 at Kipsbyre, which is at present in process of being sunk, was so severely injured by a stone which fell out of the shank upon him, a distance of about 70 fathoms, that he died about two hours after being brought home. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 12 1859]

9 March 1859

Accident – John M'Cantyre, brusher, residing at Stanrigg, was severely hurt on Wednesday, in No 5 Coal and Ironstone Pit (Arbuckle's). It appears he had been going into the hutch in order to ascend the pit but when in the act of doing so the hutch was raised and he was crushed against the door head and thrown from the hutch to the bottom of the pit, by which he got two ribs broken and was otherwise bruised. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 12 1859]

25 April 1859

Fatal Pit Accident – Charles Jackson, a boy 14 years of age, residing with his father at Clarkston, was killed on Monday the 25th inst., by falling down the shaft of No 8 coal pit, Moffat, near Clarkston. The deceased was employed at this pit in driving a gin, and also, in the absence of the pit headman, he put hutches on the cage, in order to be lowered to the bottom of the pit. It appears that the boy had thoughtlessly been in the habit when thus engaged of going backwards towards the pit, drawing the hutch with him, and passing over the cage on the pitmouth. In this instance the cage was not up, consequently when he came to the pit mouth he went down the shaft, and was instantly killed. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 30 1859]

9 May 1859

Explosion of Fire Damp – John Seddons, collier, Flowerhill Street, Airdrie, was so severely injured by an explosion of fire damp on the morning of Monday the 9th inst., that he died on the 13th. We do not know whether any blame attaches to any one for the accident, but it seems to us rather odd that although the pit is within a few hundred yards of the police office, the accident itself was not entered into the police books until after the man was dead. Deceased has left a widow and two children. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser May 21 1859]

20 May 1859

Serious Accidents From Fire Damp – An explosion of fire damp occurred on Friday, 20th inst., in No 5 ironstone pit, Rawyards, by which Thos. Baird, drawer, and Robert M'Geoch, a putter – both residing in Hallcraig Street – were severely burned. It appears that they were passing along one of the roads with a full hutch, when the gas was ignited at the roof, and caused the explosion. M'Geoch is so severely burned that little hope is entertained of his recovery. Baird is in a more hopeful condition. Another explosion occurred this forenoon in an ironstone pit at Drumbathie, by which William Brown, a drawer, was much injured. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser May 28 1859]

20 April 1860

Melancholy and Fatal Accident – A rumour reached this yesterday that about 6 o'clock in the morning a boiler explosion, attended with loss of life took place at Summerlee Pit, Airdrie. We have not heard the cause of the accident, but we understand that three men were killed on the spot, and another is so severely injured that there is little hope of his recovery. So great was the force of the explosion that the boiler was carried over an adjoining house. [Hamilton Advertiser April 21 1860]

The Dead

• William Miller, pit engine keeper, married, age 29
• William Ramage, pit oversman, married, age 50
• James Symons, pit engine fireman, married , age 73

Fatal Boiler Explosion – On Friday morning, shortly after 6 o'clock, one of the boilers connected with the pit belonging to the Summerlee Company, and situated close to the north part of the old town of Airdrie, burst with a terrible explosion. The report was so loud as to cause those at a great distance who were fast asleep to start suddenly from their couches in utter bewilderment. The shock to some of those in close proximity to the pit was so tremendous that they did not recover from its effects for hours afterwards. The pit has 2 engines – one used for water and the other for winding up the ironstone, the former of which is said to be about 40, and the latter from 20 to 30 horse power, and having 3 boilers. The cause of the explosion is as yet unknown. At the time it occurred the manager, named Ramage, was standing on the boiler that exploded, and the engineman, named Miller, was close to him pointing out some defects, when in a moment the terrible catastrophe occurred, and they were both blown a distance of 50 yards and instantly killed. The fireman was also blown a distance of 30 yards, and shared the same unhappy fate. The bodies were found afterwards in different directions – that of Ramage to the south, Miller's to the west, and the firemans to the north. A miner who was in the act of cutting sleepers on the pithead was also blown some distance and covered over by some debris, a large and heavy stone falling upon him and breaking the poor fellows back. Another workman was also sitting at the mouth of the pit, waiting for the arrival of his neighbour to be lowered down the shank, when the explosion occurred, but he escaped unhurt. Some idea may be formed of the terrific force of the explosion from the fact that a great piece of the boiler, weighing about 30 cwt, ploughed its way down a park, leaving a trench behind it, tearing up by the roots a large tree 4 feet in circumference, and distant about 200 yards, and breaking or cutting it in two as if it were a walking stick. Another portion of the boiler was buried 18 inches deep in a field to the westward, and at a point 150 yards from the pit. Another large piece was blown over a two storey house, alighting upon the outer edge of the roof and falling into the street, after rebounding against and damaging materially a house on the opposite side of the street. Another portion fell also on the roof of a house in which it made a large hole, causing a weighty stone to fall on a bed in which were an aged woman and a child, but fortunately both of whom remained unhurt. Nearly the whole of the houses in Airdrie were shaken by the explosion, and the windows of the neighbouring houses were shattered to pieces, while the brick stack in connexion with the pit was hurled into the air, and descended like a hailstorm, covering the neighbouring parks and gardens with bricks, some of which were blown a distance of many hundred yards, and others doing considerable damage to several buildings. All the machinery has been torn to pieces and completely destroyed. The explosion was heard several miles off. The deceased men have left widows and children to mourn their melancholy end. [The Times 24 April 1860]

28 June 1860

Accidents - Henry Neil, brusher, Airdrie, was so severely injured by a fall of stones from the roof while at work in No. 5 pit, Hillhead, on Thursday, that he is not expected to recover. [Airdrie, Coatbridge, Bathgate & Wishaw Advertiser 30 June 1860]

3 July 1860

Man Killed - On Monday last, a collier named James Graham, was killed while at work in No. 5 pit, Faskine, by a quantity of coals falling upon him. - Henry Neil, the individual who was so severely injured in the same pit last week, we understand is getting better. [Airdrie, Coatbridge, Bathgate & Wishaw Advertiser 7 July 1860]

9 July 1860

Pit Accident – James Nimmo, engineman, residing at Arbuckle, met with an accident on the 9th inst., at No 12 coal and ironstone pit, Stanrigg. It appears that he had gone to the top of the pithead frame for the purpose of oiling the pulley wheels, and while thus engaged he lost his balance and fell to the ground, a distance of about 20 feet, whereby he had some of the small bones of his legs and arms broken, and was otherwise severely bruised. [Hamilton Advertiser July 14 1860]

20 July 1860

Melancholy and Fatal Accident – It is our painful and melancholy duty to record the death of a young man named William Buttery Colquhoun, youngest son of Baillie Colquhoun here, who was on the 20th inst. suddenly deprived of life. The young man was an assistant engineman at one of his father's pits, situated at Airdrie Hill; and he had, by some means unknown, got entangled with the gearing of the crank when the engine of the pit in which he he was in charge was in full operation pumping water, the consequence of which was that he was so dreadfully mangled and bruised that his remains had to be tied up in a sheet and carried home to his bereaved parents. This sudden and premature death is deeply deplored, and has cast a gloom over the district, especially over those of his young associates, with whom he joined in a cricket match the previous Saturday, in the Academy Park here – the match being between the Coatbank and Airdrie clubs. The deceased was only between 16 and 17 years of age. [Hamilton Advertiser July 28 1860 ]

11 August 1860

The Late Accident in the Sebastapol Pit, Airdrie – Trial of Engineman - William Smith, engineman, Shanks St, Airdrie, was tried on Friday before Sheriff Logie and a jury on a charge of culpable violation or neglect of duty. The jury, by a majority, found the charge against the prisoner not proven, and he was accordingly dismissed from the bar. [Hamilton Advertiser August 11 1860]

October 1860

Fall of a Scaffold – An accident which might have had a fatal termination occurred at No 6 Pit, Palace Craig (Mr Weir contractor), one day last week. Two females were engaged on a scaffold propelling hutches, when the scaffold gave way, and one of them, Christina Campbell, Bell Street, was violently precipitated to the ground and severely injured, although no bones were broken; the other female contriving to cling to a hook until rescued from her perilous position. The scaffold, although recently erected, has, we understand been declared insufficient. The position of both females was somewhat perilous, the accident occurring so near the mouth of the pit. [Hamilton Advertiser October 27 1860]

21 January 1861

Explosion of Fire Damp – On Monday morning, while a miner named Patrick Glen, residing in Bell Street was employed at No 3 Pit Faskine (Mr J Love's) an explosion of fire damp took place and the unfortunate man was severely burned chiefly about the head and face. We are happy to state that though very much injured, hopes are entertained of his recovery. [Hamilton Advertiser January 26 1861]

2 February 1861

Fatal Pit Accident – On Saturday morning, about half past 6 o'clock, a young man named James Swan, residing at Stonerigg, was killed at New-pit, near Arbuckle Stalk (W Black, Esq., Whiterigg), through an explosion of fire damp. The body was terribly mangled, every stitch of clothing, and the hair on the head being literally burned to ashes. The only article left on the body was a leather belt. Swan was unmarried. [Hamilton Advertiser February 9 1861]

18 February 1861

Fatal Pit Accident at Burnbrae – One of those harrowing casualties, unfortunately of so frequent recurrence in Airdrie and District, occurred on Monday at No 2 coal pit, Burnbrae (Mr John Russell, contractor). A miner named John Mackay was, it would appear, riding either on a hutch or on the chain by which it was attached – the hutch being drawn by steam power- when his head and body were crushed between the hutch and the roof of the roadway, and he was so severely injured internally, that he expired when on his way to Davidson's Place in the Old Town where he resided. Mackay was about 20 years of age and unmarried. [Hamilton Advertiser February 23 1861]

17 March 1862

Accidents – William Hunter, miner, William Russell, miner, and Peter Donnelly, collier, all residing in North Stanrigg, were burned by an explosion of fire damp while at work, on Monday, in No 5 coal pit, Arbuckles, the property of William Black, Esq., Whiterigg. Hunter and Russell had a contract for driving a mine in the pit, and previous to going down to their work were warned by Richard Shanks, the oversman and fireman, that the mine was dangerous from the presence of firedamp, and that they were not to go into it until they “waffed” it out. Hunter went in, and was in the act of “waffing” the gas out with his jacket, when Russell came in with his lamp lighted, and the gas catching the flame, immediately exploded, burning Hunter and Russell severely about the face and arms, and Donnelly more slightly. The latter was not at work in the mine, but merely went in with the other men to see the working and get a smoke. [Hamilton Advertiser March 22 1862]

24 March 1862

William Robertson collier, Roughrigg, was severely bruised on Monday last, by the fall of a large stone from the roof of a room in No 2 Coalpit, Roughrigg, where he was employed. [Hamilton Advertiser March 29 1862]

28 October 1862

Airdrie - Accident – On Tuesday, James Dennison, collier, Greenends, got his left hand frightfully magled, and his body severely crushed, by a fall of coal from the working face of the Todd pit, Calder. There are serious apprehensions entertained that the injuries sustained by the unfortunate man may prove mortal. [Scotsman 30 October 1862]

26 November 1862

Airdrie – Fatal Accident – On Wednesday evening last, James Black, mason, Shanks Street, fell down No. 1 coal-pit , Meadowfield, and died shortly afterwards. [Scotsman 28 November 1862]

13 January 1863

Airdrie – Pit Accident – James Torrance, collier, Gartness, was killed instantaneously by a fall of stone on Tuesday afternoon, while engaged in brushing the roof of his working in No 6 Broadlees coal and ironstone pit. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 January 1863]

21 May 1864

Airdrie – Pit Accident – Chas Agnew, miner, Craighead, was severely cut on the head by a fall of stone on Friday the 21st, from the roof of No 1 ironstone pit, Duntilland, where he was employed. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 June 1864]

17 January 1866

Airdrie – Accident – On Wednesday last, Wm Stirling, a collier, residing at No 57 Wellwynd Street, Airdrie, had his right leg broken at the ankle while engaged at his work in No 6 coal pit, Palacecraig, Old Monkland. It appears that he was taking a piece of coal from the face of the workings in order to put up a prop, when the roof gave way and a large quantity of stones and dirt fell upon him, inflicting the injury above mentioned. [Hamilton Advertiser 20 January 1866]

24 April 1866

Airdrie – Pit Accidents – On Tuesday afternoon a collier, about 40 years of age, named George Hamill, met with an accident which resulted fatally in No 6 coal pit Palacecraig. Hamill was employed about 5pm in his usual working place, when a large quantity of stone and rubbish fell from the roof of the pit, covering him to the depth of two or three feet. The noise of the fall attracted the attention of two fellow workmen, who did all in their power to rescue him, being guided to the exact position where he lay by the moans of the dying man. They were successful in getting him out alive but he expired immediately afterwards. - On the same day, a collier named Thomas Walker was hurt in No 3 Coal Pit Cliftonhill. A quantity of coal fell unexpectedly, injuring him severely about the breast and breaking several of his ribs. He was attended immediately afterwards by Drs Cowie, Airdrie & Nimmo, Coatbridge, but little hopes are entertained of his recovery. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 April 1866]

29 January 1867

Airdrie – Serious Mistake – On Tuesday morning last a miner, named George Paterson, employed at No 1 coal pit , Longriggend , lifted what he supposed to be his tea flask , and put it on the fire to heat. It turned out , however, that the vessel contained not tea but 6 lb of blasting powder, and an explosion immediately followed. Paterson, and three men named Lindsay, Hunter, and , Fleming, , who were along with him, were severely burned about the face and body. [Scotsman 1 February 1867]

11 July 1867

Airdrie – Fatal Pit Accident at Clarkston – On Thursday David M'Vee, a miner, residing at Clarkston, was killed about 3 o'clock a.m., while at work in No 1 Coal Pit, Colliertree, the property of Messrs Wilson and Thomson, by a quantity of coal falling on him from the face of his working place. Deceased was 22 years of age and unmarried. [Hamilton Advertiser July 13 1867]

6 August 1867

Airdrie – Serious Pit Accident – Between one and two o'clock on Tuesday morning last, Bernard Quinn, 32 years of age, a collier, residing at Quilhill in the parish of Old Monkland, was severely injured while engaged at work in No 2 coal Pit, Heatheryknowe, by a fall of fire clay from the roof of the workings, which broke his right leg and severely bruised his body. The injuries he has sustained are so serious he is not expected to recover. [Hamilton Advertiser August 10 1867]

25 June 1869

Melancholy Accident At Avonhead – Two Men Killed and One Injured - On Friday night, between eight and nine o'clock, a melancholy accident occurred at Avonhead, by which two men lost their lives, and one was seriously injured. The men were engaged sinking a pit at Avonhead, and had been firing a shot. They came up to the top of the shaft till the shot went off, after which they took their places on the kettle to be lowered again. It appears that the engine-keeper, named John Anderson, had neglected to put the key in that put the machinery in winding gear, and the kettle, with the three men in it, went at once down to the bottom of the pit. Two of the men who had been standing on the kettle when the accident occurred were instantaneously killed, and the third, who had been tying along the bottom of the kettle, was seriously injured. The names of the men who were killed, and who were only working on their first shift at the time of the accident, are Michael Queen, residing at Meadowfield, and James Murdoch, residing at Arden. The name of the man who was seriously injured is John Henderson, residing at Arden. Anderson, the engineman, has been taken into custody pending an investigation into the cause of the accident. [Airdrie Advertiser, quoted in Scotsman 28 June 1869]

Airdrie – The Fatal Accident At Avonhead - Yesterday John Anderson, the engine-keeper at the pit at Avonhead, where the fatal accident occurred on Friday last, was brought before Sheriff Logie for examination on a charge of culpable neglect of duty, and committed for trial. He was liberated on finding bail for £15. [Scotsman 29 June 1869]

10 October 1870

Airdrie – Fatal Pit Accident – On Monday afternoon, a fatal pit accident occurred at the New Pit, belonging to the Bellsdyke Coal Company, Airdrie. A man named John Miller and a boy named Anderson were engaged working in the pit. While so employed, a large stone weighing upwards of three tons, came away suddenly from the roof and falling upon the unfortunate man Miller, killed him on the spot. Anderson, though he is very severely hurt on the head, and has three of his ribs broken, escaped with his life. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 October 1870]