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Blantyre Folk

Francis Dunsmuir

1937

Francis Dunsmuir, a 14 year old Blantyre boy, residing with his parents at 74 Merry’s Rows, had a narrow escape from death while playing with other lads on the disused colliery bing at Craighead on Saturday afternoon.

He was covered by debris when a miniature landslide took place on the bing and was taken home in a serious condition.

Dunsmuir, together with two other lads of about his own age was playing on the side of the bing, which is composed of coal cum, when there was a sudden rumbling noise and his companions were amazed to see him disappear.

What had happened was that a portion of the bing had collapsed and Dunsmuir was carried down with it. He was completely covered by the debris and had it not been for the prompt action of two men who were working nearby there is no doubt that the boy would have suffocated.

Attracted by the cries of his companions, the men hurried up the side of the bing, and after nearly 10 minutes they succeeded in extricating the unfortunate boy. He was suffering from shock and badly bruised and was removed home for medical treatment. The lad is now making excellent progress.

Ref. The Gazette. 23/1/1937. Page 1.

Wilma Bolton. 2006.

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