Explosion at Blackwood
In 1843 the rail link from Tredegar to Newport ran down the centre of Blackwood High Street. (See Sirhowy Tramroad)
On occasions, allegedly, the driver would stop at a local hostelry for refreshment!
The following account is taken from the Monmouthshire Merlin, the leading local newspaper of the day.
29th March 1843
"On Saturday evening last at 5:30 pm as the Vulcan Steam Engine
and trams (the property of the Tredegar Iron Company) was returning
from Newport,when nearly opposite the George Inn, Blackwood,
the boiler bursting and occasioned the lives of Mr.W.Davies, farmer,
formerly of Buttery Hatch, and Mr.Phillip Jones of Blackwood,who was
standing near the corner and opposite where the engine stood.
Mr.Jones was upwards of 80 years old.
All the glass was smashed in the George Inn.
A man named James Hale who was standing on the footplate escaped
injury as part of the boiler went over his head!
Samuel Homfray Esq.of Tredegar said all expenses would be met.
Value of engine £500."
Interesting to note that the cost of the engine was mentioned in the report but the cost to human life seems fairly insignificant!
The 'George' in more recent times
