The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-15

minated as II from vo1canO, uAmes anu
smoke belching forth from the slopes and
shafts to o height Of one hundred feet. Ex-
plosion followed explosioa all through the
long night threatening With instant destruc-
ton the miners cottages and the companies
buildings in the immediats vicinity.
yu1Aams FLEE TO THE WOODS FOR SAFETY
: The explosions were preceded by low, rum
bling sounds, like distant thunder and when
they took place the people on the surface, who
were endeavoring to quench the flames, were
obliged to seek shelter in the woods near by
from the flying stones and debris that were
emitted from the pits mouth.
THE MOST TERRIBLE EXPLOSION.
AT two o'clock this morning the most terrible
explosion of all occurred, resembling the dis
charge from park of heavy artillery The
conclusion was felt for miles around, and the
buildings to distance of three or four miles
were shaken as if by an earthquake. The
flames, smoke and burning wood shot sky
ward for over two hundred feet, and those
who witnessed it say it was the most fearful
sight they ever beheld. The woodwork on
latter explosion. The remaining inhabitants,
living in the houses near the colliery, fled
from them hurriedly, expecting every moment
another similar explosion.
THE MEN ALL LOST.
All hope of saving the men in the mine had
long been abandoned, and the efforts of the
excited crowds who gathered about the scene
of the disaster were now devoted to quenching
the fire by filling the air shaft and slopes
with clay and turning the water from the
small streams in the vicinity into the mine.
The flames continued issuing from the mine
all day to-day, and up to tonight, but some
what subdued
ANOTHER EXPLOSION LOOKED FOR.
Hopes are entertained that the danger is
past, although another explosion is looked
for, as the mines have been drawing the air
from one of the shafts all day. In one Of the
southern levels Of the mine quantity Of loose
coal is stored, and, should the fire reach this
the most fearful consequences are appre-
hended.
HORRIBLE FATE OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
Many Of the men who descended yesterday
went into the mine for the first time, and
although the names Of ffty-nine Of the lost
have been ascertained, il is thought that there
are many more. Between forty and forty five
of the men lost were married men, all Of
SAD SCENES IN wEsTvILLE
The scenes in this mournful village are
truly heartrending; nearly every family has
lost some relative or friend, and mourning
fills the land. Great arGiss is bestowed upon
the Manager, Mr.. Dunn, for the heroism and
courage displayed by him in descending the
slope in the face of such danger to attempt a
rescue of the workmen. Much sympathy is
expressed here and in the surrounding vii
lagos for his bereaved young wife.
TIE OFFICIAL INQUEST,
convened here this afternoon, will probably
determine before it closes the direct causes OF
the sad calamity. At present all is specula-
ton. The miners appear impressed with the
idea that the explosion would not have oc-
Cured if the miners had been paid sufficient
sum for cutting coal in levels where the use
of powder was prohibited.
The opinion OF the inspector, however, as to
the cause of the fire seems to be the correct
one.
THREE OF THE MEN SAVED BADLY INJURED.
Three of the men saved from the mine are
dangerously injured.
Another, who had volunteered to go down
an air shaft to try and save his fellows, was
met by one of the explosions and sent into
the air to the height OF over hundred feet,
falling into the woods where his mangled re-
mains we're picked up this morning.
No Farther Explosion Yet-Thc Excite
ment subsiding.
DnUMMoND CoILrERY, May 14-9P M.
There is no perceptible change in the pit
as vet, but the excitement is subsiding, and
the fears of another explosion are allayed.
The Court of Inquiry have adjourned until
eleven o. clock tomorrow.
The Killed.