The gravestone of 3 sons of Richard and Ann Ashman who died in the Llanerch Colliery explosion on Feb 6 1890. George aged 20, Thomas aged 21 and William aged 17 were 3 of the 176 men and boys killed in the Explosion. They are buried at Ebenezer Chapel, Cwmffrwdoer. All 3 died of burns. The father Richard was badly injured in the Explosion.
As well as losing their 3 sons Richard and Ann lost their son in law and 13 year old grandson. Richard Ashman spoke to a reporter about their loss “The injuries I have susutained are burns about the neck and hands, but they are not deep… My 3 sons are lying dead there (pointing to the bodies in the same room) and my grandson and his father are dead next door.”