Gresford Colliery Explodes: 266 Miners Killed
An underground explosion tore through the Dennis section of Gresford Colliery in Wrexham, Wales, on September 22, 1934, killing 266 miners and rescuers. The blast was caused by firedamp (methane gas) that had accumulated due to inadequate ventilation. Only six bodies were ever recovered; the remaining 260 were sealed underground when the decision was made to flood the affected section rather than risk further explosions. The subsequent inquiry revealed that mine management had falsified ventilation records, bribed inspectors, and ignored repeated warnings about dangerous gas levels. The disaster led to strengthened mine safety legislation and improved inspection powers, though critics argued the reforms came too late for the men buried beneath Gresford.
September 22, 1934
92 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on September 22
Themistocles lured the massive Persian fleet into the narrow straits of Salamis, where the Greeks’ agile triremes systematically rammed and sank Xerxes’ cumbers…
Nero recruited the Legion I Italica from the tallest, strongest men in Italy, breaking the long-standing tradition of only enlisting citizens from the provinces…
Zhu Quanzhong, a former rebel who had risen to become the most powerful warlord in northern China, murdered the last Tang emperor Zhaozong on September 22, 904,…
Lithuanian and Semigallian forces crushed the Livonian Brothers of the Sword at the Battle of Saule, killing the Grand Master and hundreds of knights. This cata…
Aragonese cavalry shattered a numerically superior Castilian force at the Battle of Araviana, stalling King Peter of Castile’s aggressive expansion into Aragon.…
The Swiss hadn't exactly asked to be part of the Holy Roman Empire, and by 1499 they'd fought their way to a practical separation. The Treaty of Basel made it o…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.