Newspaper Extract
James Banks injured in Boiler Explosion in Whiston
Shortly after two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, a very disasterous boiler explosion took place at the village of Whiston, near rotherham, whereby over £200 worth of damage was done.
The boiler was the property of Mr. Jas. Banks, a coal and charcoal grinder, and he had had it about ten years. On Tuesday afternoon he was in the act of firing it up when he heard a curious rumbling noise, and he at once ran from the engine-house.
Scarcely had he got clear when a tremendous explosion took place, and the building fell with a crash.
Hugh stones and pieces of iron were hurled high up into the air and fell into adjoining fields. Mr. Banks was struck on the arm with a falling brick, and also slightly scalded by the rush of steam, but his injuries are not serious.
An iron ball, weighing about 30lbs. which was attached to the valve of the boiler, was thrown a distance of 300 yards, when it alighted on the roof of the post office. It smashed through the roof, through a bedroom ceiling, making a hole 6ft. long by about 18 inches broad, and it next broke through the floor of the bedroom and fell into the cellar.
Fortunately no one in this house was injured, but two persons had very narrow escapes.
The total damage done by the explosion is estimated at over £200., and the machinery and boiler are not insured.
The premises are the property of Lady Sitwell.
Source: Leeds MercuryJuly 15, 1871
