The Fatal Accident Inquiry

The jury, under the direction of Depute Sheriff Umpherston, who conducted the Fatal Accident Inquiry, returned a formal verdict at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, on 25 January, 1932, stating that they were unable to say what was the cause of the ignition which caused the explosion of the firedamp which led to the deaths of ten miners. They further agreed to refrain from saying whether, in their opinion, any person was to blame.

The jury, which included three women, added the following recommendations to their formal verdict:

(1) In regard to the ventilation, that so long as men are working in the section with the present system of ventilation, an auxiliary fan ought to be constantly in operation, and that the men should not be sent to work there unless there is an auxiliary fan in operation.

(2) That all the electrical apparatus in this section should be constructed and maintained in a flameproof condition.

(3) The encasing glass of the electric cap lamps ought to be laminated or triplex glass.

Depute Sheriff Umpherston added that he would be sure that the jury also desire to express their admiration for the courage and promptitude of James Clark, oversman; Joseph Mackie, oversman, and James Crichton, underground fireman, in their efforts to reach their comrades. In particular, the feat of James Clark in penetrating as far along the face as he did without a safety lamp appeared to be worthy of the highest traditions.

The jury, along with counsel and agents, joined his Lordship's tribute and the suggestion was made from the bar that these acts of heroism should be brought to the notice of the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees.