Hlobane Coal Mine Disaster (1944)

Last updated
Hlobane Coal Mine Disaster
Date12 September 1944
Location Hlobane, Natal, South Africa
Coordinates 27°42′37″S30°59′54″E / 27.710286°S 30.998380°E / -27.710286; 30.998380
CauseMethane explosion
Casualties
57 dead
6 injured

A methane explosion killed 57 miners at the Hlobane Colliery, Natal, South Africa on 12 September 1944. [1] During drilling of a dyke in a coal seam, methane built up during the night due to insufficient ventilation in the mine. [1]

The explosion was said to have been caused by a miner relighting his lamp. [1] He was in charge of monitoring the methane levels and its high levels had extinguished his lamp. [1] The explosion resulted in the deaths of 57 miners and six serious injuries. [1]

On the 39th anniversary of the explosion in 1983, a similar explosion killed 68 miners at the same mine. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Hlobane Mine Accident" (PDF). University of KwaZulu Natal. Retrieved 27 January 2019.