I have found that the likely father of Rachel was killed in 1890 along with about 80 others in a pit disaster in Port Talbot area.

The troubling thing is that very few bodies were recovered. As Burns were mentioned does that mean a gas explosion?

Mine disasters etc. must affect probably most families in mining areas.

I know that a 4x grandfather of mine died aged 75 with a couple of sons or close family in the big Wallsend disaster of about 1835 ?

That pit had links with pit in Hebburn.

I’ve no idea about coal mining but the recovery of bodies would depend on the type of accident, location, rock fall etc. the equipment required to do any recovery may prohibit recovery of bodies.

A G. G. G/F was a pit shanker up in SW Scotland working on at least 6 areas ( where children born) but he survived to late 60’s

I assume that sinking a pit shaft is far safer job.

Allan C.