Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie WA
John MURPHY
Age at Death38
Date Of Death1 April 1897 : Reg 439/1897
OccupationMiner
Mining Disaster
Article of Death
Coolgardie Mining Review, Saturday 3 April 1897,
Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie WA - Photo Paul Doust
Kalgoorlie Cemetery, Western Australia - Photo Danelle Warnock
Name Of Mine On Which Last Employed
Mount Charlotte GM, Mount Charlotte, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia
Diagnosis or cause of accident
This was the first great mining disaster in the Goldfields. While preparing charges, a candle fell into a box of dynamite and detonators which started to explode. The men ran for and had to climb 300 ft of ladders to the surface through billowing dynamite fumes. Though badly affected, the men were able to walk to their camps. The men began dying overnight and the next day. The inhalation of dynamite fumes has the effect of filling the lungs with liquid, making breathing terribly difficult, if not causing suffocation. Those killed were Charles MILSOM, Frank McADAM, John MURPHY, William McGAUCHIE, John WICKCROFT and Ken WILSON.
Place Of Burial
Kalgoorlie Cemetery, Western Australia
Submitted by
Eric Chamberlain - Volunteer
MSW
Single
Cause of Death
Mine Accidents
Other Information
Story: The Goldfields First Great Mining Disaster—6 Miners Die
