The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-04-20
Startling Accident.
COIIIERIEs CAVE IN-HOUsEs GOING DOWN
NARROW ESCAPES.

COLLIERIES CAVE lN-HOUSES GOING DOWN
NARROW ESCAPES.
A Pittsburgh, Pa, telegram OF Wednes-
day SAYS One OF the most serious caving-
in accidents occurring in this region for
years took place to-day at Ashland, twelve
miles from this city. Ashland is completely
surrounded by coal-mines, and the whole
valley for many miles around is under
mined by the close workings of the breasts
to the surface. Tunnel Colliery, situated
on the suburbs OF Ashland, owned and op-
Grated by the Philadelphia and Reading
Coal and Iron Company. was the scene OF
the cave-in. which occurred about noon.
Almost directly over the workings Of
this colliery stood block OF twelve
houses. the homes OF miners and
their families, which are owned by
the Coal and Iron Company. The blasting
of rock and the firing OF shots in the mine
could be plainly heard by these people.
who never felt or realized that they were
in any immediate danger. Several weeks
ago cave-n occurred and swallowed up
two of the dwellings, but owing to a timely
warning given by the Coal and Iron Com
panv the lives OF the inmates were saved.
Their household effects, however, for the
most part went down into the earth. The
rest OF the inhabitants in the block were
also notified Of their danger, but notwith-
standing the notice they remained in the
houses until to-day.
At an early hour this morning notice was
again served on them TO leave: that they
were in imminent danger OF going down.
This had the effect OF awakening them, and
they began to pack up, but before this was
accomplished the caye-n took place and
toppled over four or five OF the dwellings
n scene OF great confusion ensued, and bv
vigorous efforts the occupants were re-
moved IN safety from the buildings, which
lay on their sides and ends, held only by a
prop OF timber, a. any moment liable to be
swallowed up, and will likely go down be-
fore morning. Not a particle OF their
household goods were saved. though many
mines accustomed TO risk their lives on
every occasion made vain attempts TO save
what they thought was within their reach.
A large number of men are engaged to-
night removing all the property that can
be safely taken away.
All the families occupying the other
dwellings are quietly leaving them to-
night. These also cannot. stand long on
The treacherous surface, which can be
heard Cracking every few minutes, and II
Is believed by many who are ut the scene
tonight that not vestige OF the block
Will be visible by morning. Another block
OF four or five houses. which stands but Il
short distance from where the caye-in oc-
Cured, Is considered In danger and the
tenants have been notified to leave at once.
Every precaution is being taken to prevent
any accident TO those leaving the scene OF
the caye-in and TO remove TO safe quarters
what little OF their effects remain.
III Is not an uncommon thing TO witness
4 slight sinking OF the surface about Tunnel
Colhery, and for upward of Il mile and a
half places where the earth has cayed In
arc dotted along on each side in one con-
tInuous chain, which renders II impossible
10 secure men to work In that portion OF
the mines In consequence OF the danger at
tending IL. The Tunnel ColIicry Is not