The Blantyre Mine Disaster - 22 October 1877

Scotland’s worst ever mining disaster took place 147 years ago at the Blantyre Colliery, South Lanarkshire on 22 October 1877. 

207 miners (possibly more) lost their lives and the disaster left 92 widows and 250 fatherless children. It devastated the local community and remains as Scotland’s worst ever mining accident.

The colliery at Blantyre was located close to the town of the same name, approx. 8 miles south-east from Glasgow and was operated by William Dixon Ltd.

The Blantyre Colliery was made up from 5 shafts. Pits nos. 2 and 3 were the sites of an explosion which was caused by firedamp (methane gas) that ignited, causing a devastating blast. It is highly likely the flame came from a faulty Davy lamp being used. 

Inadequate ventilation and a distinct lack of safety measures being utilised by the Dixon company had obviously contributed to the build up of the firedamp.

The majority of the victims were young men and boys, some being as young as 11 years old with the majority living locally to the mine. Many were trapped deep underground, but because of the scale of the explosion and the resulting fires, sadly none of those trapped were able to be rescued.

The tragedy led to calls for better regulation and an improvement of safety standards in mines throughout the UK. Sadly change happened very slowly with many more tragedies having to take place before significant improvement was seen (indeed there were 2 more incidents occurring at the Blantyre Colliery soon after, including a lift crash in 1878 and a further explosion a year later).

What happened at Blantyre gives a poignant reminder of the conditions faced by miners during the Industrial Revolution era and the crucial role they played in pushing for greater safety in what was a very dangerous occupation.

In August 1957 the Dixon’s Colliery was closed down as the shaft was damaged beyond repair. The remaining miners at the time were given just a week’s notice to terminate their employment. The site of the mine now lies underneath the East Kilbride expressway.

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