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Oren A. Pilcher, Operator
Burnwell No. 1 Mine Explosion

Hesperus, La Plata County, Colorado
March 2, 1966
No. Killed - 3

USBM Final Investigation Report  PDF Format
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From the Google News Archives:  External Link
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A gas and coal-dust explosion occurred in this mine and three men were died almost immediately from burns, possible carbon monoxide poisoning and forces.

The explosion resulted because methane accumulated from lack of adequate ventilation in the active face areas of the mine and was ignited by a lighted match, or electrical arc or spark.




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