Mexborough and Swinton Times January 11 1895
Alarming Explosion of gas at Conisborough
On Friday afternoon about 4 o’clock, an explosion of gas occurred at Conisborough and the report circulated in the district was to the effect that it was at the new Cadeby Main Colliery, and that it had terminated fatally. Fortunately both statements were erroneous
The explosion was at the new hotel, a short distance from Conisborough Railway Station, and nearly opposite the residents of Mr Caleb Kilner. The hotel has been constructed at a cost of several thousand pounds by Mr Arnold, Doncaster, on behalf of the Denaby Main and Cadeby Colliery Company. He had finished his work, and the company were having gas fittings put throughout the spacious building. A workman informed our representative that there had been a strong smell of gas for several days, and that the matter had been complained of, it being expected that it would receive the necessary attention.
Being asked if the explosion was the result of taking a light to ascertain where the escape occurred, the workman replied in the negative. He said about seven men were at work at the time, that there was gaslight to enable the men the better to see what they were doing, when, quite unexpectedly, there was a loud report, the gas went out, and there was a crash.
When the dust caused by the disturbance had cleared it was found that a number of windows have been blown out from the front and back of the hotel, that the facade was slightly bulged in the centre, and some of the joists were torn up, that walls were cracked, and that the force of the explosion had also passed upwards, dismantling part of the roof, which had been scattered to the ground in front, a number of tiles hanging loose on the top
The workmen were natural in a state of much alarm, but only one there got there it, with the exception of course that all have sustained a shock. This workmen was named Trippett of Doncaster and at the time of the explosion he was engaged in fixing a finger plate on one of the doors. The door was blown open and he was knocked over, sustaining scalp and other wounds. Examination however of the injured man was said to show that the wounds were not of a very serious nature although it was found necessary to convey into the Infirmary at Doncaster
W Newbert, one of the joiners had a very narrow escape, and was much stunned. Information of the occurrence was taken to the colliery office, and Mr W.H.Chambers, the manager, and other officials were speedily on the spot.