An explosion of flammable gases given off by asphalt paint, which was being applied to the inside of an unventilated and enclosed shaft (in the process of being sunk), caused the death of six men.

The ignition was caused by a lighted match.  Tests conducted by the Bureau of Mines proved that gases given off by the paint are highly flammable.

Approximately 25 gallons of the paint had been applied to a timber deck in the concrete drop shaft during the morning before the explosion occurred.

Source:
	Historical Summary of Mine Disasters in the United States, Volume III