Friday May 10th, 1844

On Tuesday last, a shocking accident occurred at the Eppleton Jane Pit, Hetton Colliery, where Nicholas Cowie, who was engaged with other persons in repairing and altering the shaft of the above pit, lost his life. A vast mass of earth, stones, and timber fell, burying Cowie, who was rescued alive by his fellow workmen, after they had laboured hard for two hours. He was conveyed home but survived a very short time. Deceased was an inoffensive man, much respected by all who knew him, and has left a widow and seven children to mourn their bereavement.