Update on Mine Explosion
More information is available about the New Year’s Eve explosion at Welbeck Colliery Mine.
Welbeck Colliery Mine exploded on New Year’s Eve injuring two security guards. The men were at the site in Meden Vale on New Year’s Eve making certain the site was protected from break ins and other issues, when a mine explosion occurred. It is definitely a health and safety at work issue, considering the men have sustained serious burns, primarily to their faces. The explosion is not a suspicious one, meaning no foul play was involved, but the cause is yet to be determined.
Police stated detectives are working with UK Coal, the site owners, and Health and Safety Executive in order to determine the sequence of events at the site. There was a power cut before police, fire, and ambulance raced to the old mine.
The injuries may still be life threatening, and the workers are still in critical and yet stable condition. UK Coal did confirm the two men injured were security guards of the site. No mining has gone on at the site since May 2010, when it was closed down. The underground shafts and works were sealed and closed, and the power substation is on the surface. This supplies the site and surrounding area. The explosion occurred in the power station leading to a small fire. A health and safety audit will be completed as well as workstation risk assessment to determine exactly what occurred and how it might have been prevented.
