At the start of the inquiry the Commissioner faced a dilemma, and he opened the proceedings by explaining what he intended to do about it. Because of the fire and the sealing off of the pit it was impossible to carry out any exploration underground, and for obvious reasons none of the men who had been anywhere near the scene of the explosion was present to give evidence. It would therefore be impossible to make much progress with the investigation into the cause of the explosion. In these circumstances the course which the inquiry could best follow for the time being would be to take evidence as to the condition of the mine and the operations connected with its working prior to the explosion; to take evidence of the occurrence of the explosion and the events following it; and to take such evidence as to the cause as was at present available. Having completed the first and second parts they might have to consider whether the inquiry should stand adjourned until such time as further evidence as to the cause was available.

It was an unsatisfactory situation, not least from the point of view of the miners, who had every reason for wishing to see responsibility for the disaster placed firmly where they believed it should lie, but there was clearly no feasible alternative and in the absence of objections the first witness was called.