Never has there been a pit disaster to compare in terms of human courage and human error with that which overwhelmed Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery, in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, in the wet September of 1950.

Black Avalanche is written by the famous husband and wife team, Arthur and Mary Sellwood, who learnt the truth about the disaster from the men and women who experienced this horrific disaster first hand. This book details each stage of the rescue and reports the reactions of those trapped underground.

Black Avalanche tells the story of the men who lived their lives underground and of the women who feared for their safety. Finally, Arthur and Mary Sellwood illustrate how tragedy and disaster can unite people, regardless of their class, age or gender, as they struggle to cope with the situations they find themselves in.