Scofield mine disaster

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The Scofield mine disaster was one of the worst mining accidents in American history.

Scofield, Utah is a coal mining community. Many of its early residents were coal miners who had emigrated from Scotland, Finland, and many other countries. On May 1, 1900, at least 200 men died from the Winter Quarters Mine explosion that occurred in the Number 4 mine shaft. Some rescuers placed the death toll at 246. Coal dust had collected in the coal mine, and at 10:28 AM it exploded. The fumes, or afterdamp, from the explosion killed miners in both the Number 4 and Number 1 mine shafts, which were connected by a tunnel.

Many of the dead were laid to rest on May 5, 1900, during two large funerals. Some people speculate that every household in the town lost at least one family member. The disaster left 107 widows and 270 fatherless children. In order to bury all of the dead, 75 caskets had to be imported from Denver, Colorado, because only 125 caskets could be brought in from Salt Lake City.

At the time, the Winter Quarters Mine explosion was the country's worst mining disaster; it now ranks fifth. President William McKinley sent a wire, expressing "... my intense sorrow upon learning of the terrible calamity which has occurred at Scofield, and my deep sympathy with the wives, children and friends of the unfortunate victims of the explosion."

The Pleasant Valley Coal Company discontinued its operations in 1923. Other coal mines continue to operate in the area.