| Monongah, West Virginia Mine Disaster |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by admin |
| Sunday, 09 August 2009 22:33 |
|
Monongah, West Virginia 362 Dead from Explosion December 6, 1907 For all documented history, Monongah is the absolute worst mine disaster in United States History. A staggering 362 men lost their lives from this explosion. It also remains to be the worst Industrial Disaster in History. Monongah, West Virginia was a thriving mining town in 1907. On December 6, work continued as usual. Mines #6 and #8 were connected underground as this was believed to boost ventilation. The mines were wired for electricity to help with equipment and lighting. The circumstances surrounding this disaster came together to create a perfect storm. A broken mining cart train plummeted into the mine at nearly the precise moment of the spark that started the explosion. The entrance was barred. Some of the electrical wiring was torn from the wreckage and that ignited the methane within the mine. Recovery took nearly 2 weeks and left 250 widows and around 1,000 orphans without support. Newer information suggests that the actual victim toll was over 900 as so many immigrants were employed in the mine. If this is the case the precise number of victims is unknown. Today, the shafts have been bricked up and the once successful mining fields are in ruins. Resources on Monogah's Mine Disaster:
|