Retro: A tragic day to remember at school – lives changed forever in an instant

School days should hold memories for all, this day will never be forgotten.
By Errol Edwards
Published 18th Sep 2020, 11:07 BST
Wrecked cars after the explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in October 1973Wrecked cars after the explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in October 1973
Wrecked cars after the explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in October 1973

As I look back to my school days .Some stand out more than others.This I’m certain this is the most memorable I had. Surpassing any sports day, caning or first kiss I ever had. These lag a long way behind due to the sheer enormity and loss. As Byron Wood Primary Academy closes its door on the old school building, I look back on my time there and the most memorable event at school I remember to this day. When I attended, it the school was called Burngreave Middle.

It was a clear sunny day in Oct 1973,and much like any other school day I sat in my classroom. My teacher at the time was Miss King. I'm sure she remembers this as her most memorable too.

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As I gazed through the window instead of getting on with some class work.

Wrecked cars after an explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in Sheffield in October 1973Wrecked cars after an explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in Sheffield in October 1973
Wrecked cars after an explosion at the Effingham Street gas works in Sheffield in October 1973

The view form there was excellent, as I remember. To the left you could see all the way to where Meadowhall would be built ,although at that time you would be looking at Hadfield's Steel works. Panning right you could see across the city and to University Tower Arts Towers. As I gazed into the Wicker arches area of town,a massive explosion erupted. It was as though this massive explosion was done for my benefit or entertainment, as I was looking directly at it as it happened. The sound was amazing, large debris and smoke flew up into the air. The explosion was less than a mile from the school,so anyone closer must have really felt it’s effects. We as eight-year-olds didn’t quite know what to think,fear wasn’t really on the agenda,more excitement.

One of my classmates casually stated, “not to worry as they were only knocking down All Saints church”, which was one of many demolition projects happening at the time. I quickly pointed out that the direction of the explosion was nowhere near the church. So we were still the dark. We were in shock as to what to do next apart from stare.

Moments later our Headmaster Mr Baker popped his head round the corner. He told Miss King to bring everyone to the opposite side of the classroom, away from the windows. This was when excitement and a little fear seemed to increase in the classroom. The all knowing teachers had no clue was happening, if they didn’t know who did? Back then we didn’t have didn’t even have teletext let alone the internet to instantly let us know what was happening. Basically few knew what was happening. We had to wait till long after school to find out what happened.

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I later found out through BBC news that a large gas storage tank had exploded killing several men.And injuring many more. I remember a quote from the Sheffield Star someone said “it was like the Blitz.” Another said “I’ve lived through two world wars and not experienced anything like it.”

To this day when I drive down Effingham Street or look across the views of Sheffield I always remember that day. But as I grew older I also think about the local children pulled out of lessons to be told of the consequences of the tragic events of that day.

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