75th Anniversary of the Easington Colliery Disaster
A Commemorative event will be held on Sunday 31 May 2026
Published: 9 March 2026
Sunday 31st May 2026
The Parish Council and community of Easington Colliery will pause to remember the tragic events of May 29, 1951, when an explosion at Easington Colliery claimed the lives of 83 miners. At approximately 4:20 AM, sparks from a coal-cutting machine ignited a build-up of firedamp deep within the Five Quarter seam, causing a devastating explosion that collapsed over 120 yards of underground roadway.
Despite the immediate danger, brave members of the Mines Rescue team worked tirelessly to reach those trapped underground. Tragically, two rescuers also lost their lives in the line of duty.
An official inquiry later confirmed that the explosion was triggered by the ignition of firedamp, intensified by coal dust present within the mine. This disaster remains one of the most significant in the region’s mining history and stands as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced daily by those who worked underground.
On Sunday 31 May 2026 our community is asked to meet at the Community Remembrance Garden at the entrance to the former Colliery site where a service will be held to honour the memory of comrades lost and recognise the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the mining communities who endured so much. A full programme is outlined below:
75th Anniversary of the Easington Colliery Pit Disaster – Commemorative Event
Programme Sunday 31 May 2026
10.45 am Assemble at Community Garden, Colliery Site
11.00 am Vicar to re-commemorate seats in Community Garden. Followed by speeches with Colliery Band playing.
11.15 am Assemble opposite Office Street for procession led by Easington Colliery Band and Banner up Seaside Lane to Easington Colliery Cemetery.
11.45 am Service starts at mass graveside of disaster victims conducted by vicar.
12.15 pm Service ends.