Knockshinnoch disaster
Memorials to the miners who died in the Knockshinnoch disaster. | |
| Date | 7 September 1950 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7.30pm |
| Location | New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°23′14″N 4°11′56″W / 55.38722222222222°N 4.198888888888889°W |
| Participants | 129 miners |
| Outcome | 116 rescued |
| Deaths | 13 |
| Verdict | flooding caused by peat bog |
The Knockshinnoch disaster was a mining accident that occurred in September 1950 in the village of New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. Liquid peat and moss flooded pit workings, trapping more than a hundred miners underground. For several days rescue teams worked non-stop to reach the trapped men. Most were eventually rescued three days later, but 13 died. The disaster was an international media event. As of 2025, there are two remaining survivors of the incident.