MineArchiveOn 6 September 1859 two colliers were fatally burned at Agec
On 6 September 1859 two colliers were fatally burned at Agecroft Colliery, near Pendlebury in Lancashire, by a heavily charged shot that blew out its stemming.
| Date | 6 September 1859 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Agecroft Colliery |
| Region | Greater Manchester |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 2 (Samuel Booth (33) and W. Mollineaux (29), colliers.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
A heavily charged shot blew out its stemming, burning two colliers standing about twelve yards off.
What happened
Samuel Booth, aged 33, and W. Mollineaux, aged 29, both colliers, were burned when a heavily charged shot blew out its stemming as they stood about twelve yards away; both died of their injuries. The colliery belonged to Andrew Knowles and Sons, and an inquest returned a verdict of manslaughter over the firing of the shot.
Sources
- (primary) Agecroft Colliery — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) Agecroft Colliery shot-firing accident, 6 September 1859 — Durham Mining Museum
Record created: 22 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026