MineArchiveGospel Oak Colliery explosion, 1887
On 31 August 1887 an explosion of firedamp burned two men at Gospel Oak Colliery, in South Staffordshire; both died of their injuries within days.
| Date | 31 August 1887 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Gospel Oak Colliery |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 2 (Thomas Bright (45, bandsman) and John Dunning (43, blower), who died on 8 and 10 September.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
An explosion of firedamp.
What happened
Thomas Bright, aged 45, a bandsman, died on 8 September, and John Dunning, aged 43, a blower, on 10 September, of burns from the explosion.
Sources
- (secondary) Gospel Oak Colliery explosion, 31 August 1887 — Durham Mining Museum — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) Gospel Oak Colliery — Durham Mining Museum — Durham Mining Museum
Record created: 12 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026