The day shift deputy, George Paley, had fired eight shots before he reached the working place known as number 8.

Herbert Taylor and his colleague in 101 gate had fortunately retired from the coal face to take a meal just a minute before the explosion, which likely saved their lives, as they were adjacent to No.

Herbert Taylor reported hearing an enormous explosion, and was immediately plunged into darkness with choking dense fumes, smoke and dust filling the air.

As they escaped the mine, the three injured men passed Harry Collinson, Harold’s father, who had been making his way to see why John Allan was late.

Struck by the smell of burning and despite seeing the plight of his son with Townend and Taylor, Harry Collinson continued walking towards the scene of the explosion, as it was his job as pit corporal to investigate.

[3] Albany Taylor despite his burns was able to walk out of the mine, whilst William Townend was conveyed on a stretcher, and both men were taken to the Castleford, Normanton and District Hospital.