MineArchiveGraig Colliery explosion, 1846
On Wednesday 6 May 1846 fire damp exploded in the Pwll y Graig pit of the Plymouth Iron Company, Pentrebach, near Merthyr, severely burning seven men and boys. All seven died.
| Date | 6 May 1846 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Graig Colliery, Pentrebach |
| Region | Merthyr Tydfil |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 7 (Seven.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
An explosion of firedamp.
Contributing factors
Unknown.
What happened
The Monmouthshire Merlin named the burned as David Lovett, 35, married with five children, one of them blind; William Thomas, 30, whose child had lately drowned in the Plymouth watercourse; the boys Evan Williams, 10, and Edward Jones, 12; John Evans, 23; Daniel Lewis, 25; and William Lewis. Evan Williams died on the Thursday, Lovett and Thomas on the Friday and Daniel Lewis on the Sunday, and the others were not expected to live.
Rescue & recovery
Unknown.
Investigation & inquiry
An inquest was opened and the jury viewed the bodies, but it was adjourned because three of the injured were not expected to survive.
Legal & regulatory aftermath
Unknown.
Changes to practice & legislation
Unknown.
Memorials & commemoration
Unknown.
What's uncertain
Points where sources disagree or the record could not be settled; both accounts are kept. All open questions in the archive.
- The Merlin names John Evans, 23, among the seven; Welsh Coal Mines has John Davies, 50, in his place. (disputed) 1,2
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- On 6 May 1846 an explosion of gas killed seven miners, named with their ages. 1
- The Merlin names John Evans, 23, among the seven; Welsh Coal Mines has John Davies, 50, in his place. (disputed) 1,2
- Evan Williams died on the Thursday, the next two on the Friday and Daniel Lewis on the Sunday; the inquest was adjourned. 2
Related terminology
Mining terms this disaster is structurally linked to, with the nature of the relationship.
- Firedamp (direct cause)
Fire damp exploded.
Sources
- (secondary) Graig Colliery Merthyr, Taibach colliery, Dan y Deri colliery — Welsh Coal Mines
- (primary) Merthyr: dreadful accident (Monmouthshire Merlin, 16 May 1846) — Welsh Newspapers (National Library of Wales)
Record created: 19 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026