Winter Quarters Mine disaster
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The Winter Quarters Mine disaster was a mining explosion that occurred near the town of Scofield, Utah in 1900. In terms of life lost, it was the worst mining accident to date in American history.[1]
On May 1, 1900, at least 200 men died from an explosion and its aftermath in the Number 4 mine shaft of the Winter Quarters Mine. Some rescuers placed the death toll at 246.[1]
[edit] Cause
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. Every family in town of Scofield was affected.[2] 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 1928. Other coal mines continue to operate in the area.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Powell, Allan Kent. Scofield Mine Disaster. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ Bertola, Max (1996). Remembering the great mine disaster. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ Winter Quarter, Utah Ghost Town Lost Treasure
