MineArchiveBlenkinsopp Colliery gunpowder explosion, 1890
On 6 March 1890 two stonemen were killed by an explosion of gunpowder at Blenkinsopp Colliery, near Greenhead in Northumberland.
| Date | 6 March 1890 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Blenkinsopp Colliery |
| Region | Northumberland |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 2 (James Auld (25) and John Fairlamb Bell (33), stonemen.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
An explosion of gunpowder in the workings, early in the shift.
What happened
James Auld, aged 25, and John Fairlamb Bell, aged 33, both stonemen, were killed by an explosion of gunpowder at six in the morning, in the third hour of their shift.
Sources
- (secondary) Durham Mining Museum - Blenkinsop Colliery — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) James Auld, Blenkinsopp Colliery, 6 March 1890 — Durham Mining Museum
Record created: 21 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026