A memorial plaque commemorating the 27 men who lost their lives in the Edge Green No. 9 mining disaster has been unveiled, 93 years to the date of the tragedy.
The Mayor of Wigan, Mrs Jenny Bullen, unveilled the plaque at an event organised by the Golborne Ex-Miners on Wednesday, 12 November at The Harrow Inn on Edge Green Road.
The disaster occurred on Saturday, 12 November 1932, when an explosion tore through Garswood Hall No. 9 Colliery in Ashton-in-Makerfield. Many local people heard and felt the blast beneath their feet, and the town became the centre of national attention for several weeks following the tragedy.
Twenty-five men died at the scene, with two more passing away in hospital in the days that followed. Carbon monoxide gas was the immediate cause of death in every case, though many victims also suffered extensive burns.
The men who lost their lives ranged in age from 16 to 64 years old and came from Golborne, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan and Platt Bridge. They included colliers, drawers, haulage hands and other mining workers. The victims were buried at St Thomas’ Church of England in Ashton-in-Makerfield, St Oswald’s in Ashton-in-Makerfield, and Downall Green Parish Church.
Following the explosion, the colliery was abandoned and the shaft filled. During this process, the mine exploded again, though fortunately no one was injured in the second blast.
Councillors for the Golborne & Lowton West Ward Yvonne Klieve, Gena Merrett and Susan Gambles with Eric Foster, Secretary of Golborne Ex-Miners.
This lasting memorial ceremony provides an opportunity for the local community to remember those who lost their lives in one of the area’s most significant mining tragedies.