The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-12-06
Two Mines Blow Up Simultan-
eOusly INVEST Virginia.
Hardly Possible That Any Of
Miners Escaped Death.
WAS HEARD s MILES.
Mine Props We're Blown Clear
Across the River.
Nobody Seems to Know How 1t
Happened.

Pittsburg, Pa, Dec. GA terrific and
disastrous explosion occurred today IN
mines Nos. and of the Consolida-
ton Coal company at Monongah. w.
Va, Mine Superintendent Malone says
at least 500 men are entombed. 1t is
believed a majority of the entombed
men were killed. The bodies of three
miners have been recovered near the
mouth of mine No. 6. Mine No is
located on the east side of the Monon-
gahela river and mine No. on the
west side. How the explosions occurred
simultaneously in both mines can not
be explained at this time.
All is confusion at the scene of the
disaster and definite information is
meagre.
The explosion was heard for eight
miles.
Immediately after receipt Of the news
physicians and special cars were dis
patched from Fairmont to the scene.
The mine was too full of gas and smoke
for rescuers to enter. 1t is said the
explosion started in No. and spread
to No mine, the two being connect
ed. Another report says the first ex-
plosion was followed by the blowing
up of the boiler house in No. s. The
gravest fears are felt for the safety of
the great number of men in the work
ings.
Earth Was Rent.
The earth seemed to be rent at the
moment of the shock. Some idea of the
force of the explosion may be gained
from the fact that props from the mine
were not only blown out of the entry,
but were hurled by the force of 1t.
clear across West Fork river. Wires
are down.
1t is feared that the accident will
turn out to be the worst in the his
tory of mining in this country. Super
intendent Malone telephoned that of the
500 men who were in the mine at the
time he does not think any could es-
cape alive from the forces of the ex-
plosion. The fans were started to clear
out the foul air and the rescuers were
expected to reach the men by o'clock
this afternoon. The mine management
declare they do not know the cause but
experienced miners declared that it
must have been dust.
The town of Monongah has a popu-
lation of about 5000 and while for
the most part the miners are OF for
eign birth, there are still many Ameri-
can workmen. Possibly the largest
steel tipple in the state is located at
Monongah. The mines are both
shaft and slope mines, being worked
by the rope and hauling system. They
lie on both sides of West Fork river
and are connected by a steel pier
bridge owned and operated by the
coal company.
Until about 10 years ago only
American miners were employed. At
that time the miners of Pennsylvania.
Indiana, Illinois and Ohio were on the
strike.
A Big Concern.
The coal company Is one of the
largest companies of the kind in the
country and Is capitalized at about
$2O.0O0,0O0. They have upwards of
100 producing properties. Clarence
w. Watson is the president with head
quarters in Baltimore.
superintendent Malone is said to be
one of the most competent and prac-
teal superintendents in the mining in
dustry.
1t was said the relief party would
not reach the imprisoned men before
o'clock. The rescuers include nine
carpenters and superintendents head
ed by Superintendent j. G.. Gaskin.
Special trains are ready to bring the
wounded to the miners hospitals here
as fast as possible. A hospital was ar
ranged at the opening of the mine
where the wounded will receive at
tention.
Several men were practically blown
out of mine No. 6, through an air hole.
Their escape was miraculous.
Twenty physicians from Fairmount
are now on the grounds and every at
tention is being given the men. The
men did not work yesterday. From
best estimates $50 men were In each
mine today.
Five dead Americans have been
taken from the mines. The body OF
Charles Honaker, one of the men, was
blown out of the entrance Of mine No.
s, where the explosion started.