Annual Hapton Valley Pit disaster memorial service cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions

A formal ceremony is traditionally held in Burnley Cemetery, attended by civic dignitaries and guests, to remember the 19 miners killed by a coal explosion at Hapton Valley Colliery in 1962.

Instead this year, Hapton Valley Mining Disaster group trustee Bob Clark will lay a wreath at the memorial stone in the cemetery at noon on Sunday, March 21st.

Anyone else who would like to lay their own floral tribute is invited to do so, following social distancing guidelines.

2021 marks 59 years since the disaster which shocked the local community.

The terrible accident occurred on the morning of Thursday March 22nd, 1962, at 9-45am when an explosion ripped through the 140-yard long Number 2 Union seam at the colliery.

Sixteen men were killed instantly and a further three died later from their injuries. A further 22 men were hurt in the blast.

A new memorial stone was unveiled in 2019 at Hapton recreation ground's Peace Garden.

Anyone who would like more information is asked to contact Mr Clark on 01282 771694.