Strongman Mine and the disaster

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DescriptionCOAL MINE DISASTER--1967
STRONGMAN MINE DISASTER .19 January 1967 Nineteen men were killed instantly in the Strongman State Coal Mine near Runanga at 10.10 a.m. on Thursday 19 January 1967. A giant explosion swept through Green’s Dip, flinging miners in all directions. A miner who rushed to the surface brought the first news of the tragedy. He was completely covered with black grit but was otherwise unhurt. He had been caught only in the fringe of the explosion.. The first four bodies were brought out at 1.00 p.m. and the rescue attempt continued all night and the next day. Eleven more bodies were recovered during this time and most had died as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is always present after an explosion. The rescue workers entering the mine on the second day were met by a wave of heat as a fire had broken out in the section. PHOTO. 50 year memorial service at the Strongman mine site in 2017.ContributorTony Kokshoorn

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PersonMayor Tony KokshoornLynne KokshoornLandmark (Place)Strongman Mine portal

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CommentsMalcolm Howell
And this disaster really did hit Greymouth. These miners were all neighborhood Coasters who were known locally by everyone. It was a very sad time and one Greymouth will never forget. Incidentally my Father Doug was working in Greens Dip that week but was on "Back Shift". On the Friday evening most of the coffins were lined out in rows at St Martin's Hall, Cnr Marlborough and Shakespeare St. I went there at 7.30pm and it was a very sad sight with the hall filled with grieving friends and relatives. It is something I haven't forgotten.

Veronica Moore
A sad day for the coast and many familys.
I lost my beautiful.cousin Hughie O'Donnell. Cherished memories.

Anthony Fenton
Sending love and respect ?

Trish Rennie
They’re forever remembered ?

Anna Therese Webster
Always remember that day as my Dad was working and my mother and other wife's didn't know who were returning until the bus arrived to Runanga that day
I was on duty at the Greymouth Hospital

Nick Bennett
Tragic for everyone. My grandfather, Big Jim Reid, was killed in that mine just over a decade earlier. It's a hard place for so many.

Yvonne Anisy
At the hospital, Seddon Ward sent as many patients home as possible and prepared for the injured. Sadly the beds remained empty.

Peter Moore
Never forget it.

Lesley Parker Butland
I was too young to remember this and I’m so sorry for those poor men who were killed

Melissa Mondo
Always amazes me how vividly my father remembers that day. ?

Rosemary Matthews
Big hugs to the families of this terrible tragedy. RIP ?????

Wendy Clark
A really sad day for the West Coast.

Wayne Goodisson
Yes it was

Alan Woods
Disastrous, without a doubt.

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Strongman Mine and the disaster

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