Redding mining disaster
The Redding mining disaster was a coal mining disaster in September 1923 when an inrush of water trapped 66 miners underground at a mine shaft in the Central Belt of Scotland, with 40 fatalities.
History
The Redding 23 mine workings were operated by James Nimmo & Co. Ltd. in the vicinity of the village of Redding, Falkirk, where coal mines had been operating for over 100 years.[1]
Early on 25 September 1923, flood water from the former Coxrod mine workings broke through to the Dublin No. 1 branch of the Redding mine and rapidly filled the mine, trapping 66 miners.[1] 21 miners were brought out alive, with a further 5 rescued on 4 October.[1][2] The bodies of the remaining miners were recovered in November 1923, as the water was drained.[1]
Memorial
A memorial was erected 22 years after the disaster, in memory of the 40 dead miners.[3]
The centenary of the disaster in September 2023 was marked by memorial events in the area.[2]
References
- "Redding Colliery Inrush – Falkirk – 1923". Northern Mining Research Society. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- "Memorial events for mining disaster 100 years ago". BBC News. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- Paterson, Kirsty (21 September 2022). "New mining disaster memorial to mark 100 years since deadly incident". STV News. Retrieved 23 September 2023.