There were questions on whether a shot had been fired or not. Then the inquiry was adjourned until the following morning. The first witness was Mr. Cadman, the certificated manager, he said the last time he inspected the far end was three weeks before the explosion, when he found everything in a satisfactory state. The only complaint, which had been made between that time and the explosion, was in Hume's report on the 10th of June that a little gas had been found. Stringent instructions were then given that no shots were to be fired while workmen were in the pit.

Burley Pit was part of Apedale colliery (c.. 1850 and 1926). This photograph was taken by Thomas Warham.

On subsequent examination of the mine he described the position of the bodies and found indications of an explosion in the top and bottom levels, but was inclined to believe that the seat of the explosion was in the bottom level. He admitted that he was at a loss to account for the explosion. He could not say whether it arose from a shot or a heated lamp. There was evidence that the body of the fireman was found exactly in the position he would be in if he had fired the shot.

Mr. John Strick, consultant engineer, was of the opinion the occurrence originated at the far end of either the top or bottom levels. His reasons were because the men at this point were severely burnt, in fact perfectly charred while further away the men were less burnt but more disfigured. The direction of the blast was evident and the relative position in which the bodies were found strengthened his opinion as to the locality of the explosion. He had examined the shot hole carefully and believed that a shot had not been fired. Mr. Strick was subjected to a searching cross examination but he adhered to his opinion.

Mr. A.R. Sawyer, Government Inspector, went into great detail on his findings and was of the opinion that a shot had been fired, and this had blown out near the spot where from all appearances he would had expected the explosion, to had originated.

Mr. T Wynne, the Chief Inspector of Mines for the district, said he agreed with Mr. Sawyer as to the origin of the explosion. He had no doubt it was due to a blown out shot.

He had much experience in these matters and believed that coal-dust mixed with one and a half percent of gas would explode. Mr. Wynne also said the pit ought not to be left to the management of Butty colliers. It did not come within the words of the Act - "daily control and supervision". He recommended that the owners have a man of their own in every level as firemen.

Mr. A Littleton, from the Home Office, thought the ventilation ought to be measured accurately from time to time. From the 23rd of March to the 20th of June was too long to leave the measurement unchecked. He thought it too long for men to be left in the care of butties, and that the underlooker or manager ought to visit more regularly and constantly. He held that men who looked after the lives of people ought not to have any interest in hurrying the work.

After a few more exchanges the Coroner summed up, briefly pointing out to the jury the disagreements in the scientific evidence on the origin of the explosion. As to the use of powder, he said no doubt it was a bad thing in fiery seams. It was an almost needless precaution to take down safety lamps into the mine where there was shot firing and a long flame shooting out and possibly igniting the gas and coal-dust. So long as they had blown out shots, this was always a possible occurrence.

After some deliberation, the foreman of the jury announced the following verdict: -
After careful attention to the evidence given, we cannot come to any positive conclusion as to how this explosion came about by which these unfortunate men lost their lives.
Our only alternative will be to give as our verdict "died from an explosion of gas".