We regret to record a fatal explosion which occurred in
the Darren Colliery, near Bargoed, South Wales, on Friday week. Generally a hundred and eighty-eight men are employed in the mine, but at the time of the explosion there were only forty-five. Between the men engaged in the mine and the rescuers twenty-six lives were lost. The work of rescue was carried out with a heroism which was exceptional even in circumstances where heroism is familiar. The first party to enter the mine after the explosion consisted of five men, including Mr. William Bowen, the general manager of the mine. They pressed on in spite of the after-damp till ono after the other dropped. A second rescue-party then went down and brought up the first rescue-party, three members of which were already dead, including Mr. Bowen himself. A strange escape was that of Dr. W. W. Turner, who went down with a third rescue-party, descending by a rope ladder three hundred and fifty feet long. Dr. U.'iwner collapsed, and his companions were too much overcome to bring him back. Later others tried to rescue him, and when he was rea.cbcd after some hours it was found that he was still alive. He is recovering. Altogether six of the rescuers lost their lives. The King sent a message of deep sympathy, and expressed his particular admiration for the gallantry of the rescuers.
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