The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-22
THE LEIsENING CALAMITY.
Probable Cause of the Disaster-BuraI of
the Victims.

Probable Cause of the Disaster-BuraI of
the Victims.
UNIoNTowN, Pa, Feb. 21.-The scene Of yes
terdays terrible disaster was visited by large
numbers to-day. A majority were simply curl
ous but many came with the earnest intention
of investigating, and, if possible ascertaning the
cause of the explosion. Heretofore gas has not
caused much trouble in western Pennsylvania
mines, but it is evident that a vast quantity had
generated in a short time without being discov-
cred. A majority Of the experts who examined
the mine this morning incline to the belief that
the explosion resulted from the falling in of a
portion of the roof in one of the chambers and
exposing a crevice filed with fire damp, etc
None, however are willing to stake their repu-
tation on this until more thorough examination
has been made.
COffins for the nineteen victims arrived from
PittSburg this morning, and all will be buried
from UniontOwn to morrow. Two thirds of the
victims were Catholics, and it has not yet been
decided whether union services will be held or
each family bury their own dead. The Connells-
vile Coke and Iron Company. owners of the
mine, pay all the funeral expenses. There are
none here who censure the company. The opin-
ion is universal that the explosion cannot be
charged to their neglect, the shaft was a
model one The most approved appliances were
used for safety, and greater precautions We're
taken than required by law The families of
the dead miners are not in immediate destitute
circumstances, but the sudden withdrawal of
their support caused by the taking off of hus-
bands, fathers and brothers will be seriously
felt in the near future. Many had their lives in
sured. Only last week an insurance agent cir
culated among the mines and miners, and a large
number availed themselves Of the opportunity,
Among them were several who were Killed
A closer examination of the mine leads many
to belieue that the disaster resulted from i'm
proper ventilation. Air doors were lacking in
places where, if they had been erected, they
would probably have let off the foul air and pre-
spector Steiner made a thorough examination pI
the mine, and also made chart showing the
different apartments, which he will present at
the coroner's investigation He would not say,
directly, what he thought caused the explosion,
as he preferred giving his testimony first be
fore the coroner but said he was
convinced that the heavy gas must have come
from a break in some vacant room, and the room
filing up ran over and followed along the roof
until some miner, perhaps John Murray touched
1t of with his head lamp These facts are borne
out by the fact that only four men killed by the
explosion bore marks Of its violence. The air
channel showed a good current and if the men
had been in the current or the distribu-
ton had been somewhat eQuazed by
the erection Of doors at the proper place the pro
portion smOthered to death or killed ought not
to have been so great. The coronel's Jury also
went through the mine this afternoon aud exam
ined the apartments. means of ventilation, etc,
very closely. The company is doing all in their
power to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded
and sorrow of the afflicted. The former class are
not able to be about Most Of them were merely
Frustrated by after damp One was painfully
bruised and burned but he viii get well.