EXPLOSION OF FIRE DAMP IN A SHALE PIT. An accident of a serious nature, involving danger to the lives of eight men, occurred yesterday afternoon in Blackston Pit, near Linwood (of which Messrs Allan Craig & Son are the proprietors), by an explosion of fire damp. The occurrence took place about four o' clock when the men were working in the pit, and apprehensions were entertained that the whole number were killed. It was some time before any men could venture down the pit to ascertain whether the men were dead or alive, and messengers were at once despatched to Johnstone for medical assistance. Dr.s M'Laren and Gardner were soon on the spot to render any assistance required. It was not till the lapse of several hours, however, before the men were got up, when they were all fortunately alive, though some of them were severely burned. The names of the men who were working in the pit at the time the occurrence took place are Mr Allan Craig, one of the partners, who was much burned both, on the face and hands; Thomas M'Cabe, living in Johnstone, also much burned, particularly on the face, Dougal M'Dougal, also much burned; Michael Killin, Jas. M.'lnnes. Patrick M'Ewan and his son, and James M'Glynn, all living in Linwood. The scene of the disaster was visited by a large number of people from Johnston and Linwood. The pit is not an old one, and has not been long in operation.
Glasgow Herald, 7th November 1871
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THE Subscriber Alexander Wilson retired from the Firm of ALLAN CRAIG & SONS, Coalmasters, Oilmakers, and Brickmakers at Blackstoun Works, Linwood, as at 1st April 1877, by consent of the other Subscribers, the whole remaining Partners therein,
ALLAN CRAIG. 21st April 1877.
DAV. CRAIG, Writer, Glasgow, Witness to the Signature of Allan Craig.ELLEN RAYBOULD, Servant, 12 May Terrace, Mount Florida, Glasgow, Witness to the Signature of Allan Craig.
WILLIAM CRAIG. 10th April 1877.
JOHN CRAIG. 10th April 1877.
ALLAN CRAIG, Jr. 10th April 1877.
JAMES TAIT, Pitheadman to the said Allan Craig & Sons, Witness to the Signatures of the said William Craig, John Craig, and Allan Craig, Junior. THOMAS HANEY, Engineman to the said Allan Craig & Sous, Witness to the Signatures of the said William Craig, John Craig, and Allan Craig, Junior.
ALEXANDER WILSON.12th May 1877.
J. M. M'COSH, Writer, Dalry, Witness to the Signature of Alexander Wilson. DUNLOP M'COSH, Writer, Dalry, Witness to the Signature of Alexander Wilson.
Edinburgh Gazette, 31st May 1878
