It is always difficult in accidents of this kind to glean from those who have escaped what actually took place. The appearance, pointed to an explosion of some violence, though the survivors who had been questioned on the matter said they did not remember any report, but likened the occurrence to a sudden rush of wind. There fact that there must have been a severe concussing however, was obvious from the fact that three of the bodies recovered were terribly mutilated. So far as the enquiries went, at this time, most of the men comprising the party were able to make their escape to the shaft bottom, (which was a mile away) and safety.

There was some heroic conduct by the colliery employees before the Mines Rescue Brigades arrived, particularly Ernest Jones, foreman, and Isaac Button the fireman. These men were engaged in their ordinary work at the shaft bottom and they were the first to hear of the occurrence.

On the arrival of the Mines Rescue Brigades, attention of course was directed to the nine bodies, which were immediately brought to the surface in the early hours of the morning. Then the brigades turned to investigating the cause of the explosion, as far as it was practicable to explore in a hasty sort of way. No indication was found of a fire, and the origin of the occurrence remained shrouded in mystery. There appeared to have been no particular indication of after damp, such as would have been expected after an explosion of this kind, and the manner in which the majority of the repairing party escaped proves that atmospheric conditions could not have been as bad as is usually the case after an explosion. Indeed, in this connection, it is significant that one member of the party, named Edward Hunt made his escape by the return air-way without suffering any ill effects other than those of shock.

Had the explosion occurred later 50 datallers would have been involved, but on an ordinary week on night shift 200 men would have been in the pit.

At the Greasly Arms on Wednesday 20th January Mr. H.W. Adams, Coroner opened the inquest on the victims. The arrangements were to take only formal evidence of identification. All the various representatives were present and a brief description of what had happened was given. The jury then went round to view the bodies, then evidence of identification was taken as relatives and friends made their rounds. The inquest was then adjourned.

The inquest resumed Thursday 28 January at the Primitive Methodist School, Halmerend. The Coroner recalled what had happened on 17th January. Dr. Thomas gave medical testimony as to the injuries and cause of death of the deceased.

William Barber, colliery agent, for the company produced plans showing the scene of the accident. Four men were killed in the engine house, three just outside and two at the bottom of the upcast shaft who were attending the pumping engine. Questions were asked if the seam gave off gas fairly freely, the answer was yes, the lower Bullhurst is well known to be a gassy seam. There were many more questions including gob fires and answers. Then the jury considered for a while and returned a verdict, agreeing with the medical evidence as to the cause of death to the men, but adding that there was no evidence to show what caused the explosion.