Nine men were still within the mine when the explosion occurred. Of these four reached safety with the assistance of friends. Three of the number were so seriously injured that they are not expected to live. Those rescued were William Jacobs, George Eastman, Morrey Darby and William Robinson. The last three men were seriously injured.
Men are Buried 2,000 Feet Deep
The Atlanta Constitution, Georgia
April 21, 1905
Charleston, W. Va., April 20. -- A mine explosion in the Cabin Creek Mining Company's mine near Kayford about 30 miles above here late this afternoon may result in the death of five miners and the fatal injury of three others.
It was only a month ago that a similar disaster snuffed out the lives of twenty men at Rush Run near the scene of the catastrophe today. The disaster is said to have been caused by a powder explosion, the result of a miner's carelessness.
About 5 o'clock, after many of the men had left the mine, there was a sharp report, followed by an explosion which threw debris in all directions. The tipples took fire and were soon a mass of flames. Nine men were still within the mine when the explosion occurred. Of these four reached safety with the assistance of friends. Three of the number were so seriously injured that they are not expected to live. The remaining five members were sill entombed at a late hour. It is believed that these men are dead, as they were at least 2,000 feet below the surface when the explosion took place.
Those who were buried in the mine are:
Burt Greene
Charles Nicholas
Charles Nichols
Arthur Crump
William Allen
The rescued are William Jacobs, George Eastman, Morrey Darby and William Robinson. The last three men were seriously injured. Search for the entombed men continues.
James Kay of Charleston and Hale Ford, of Washington, D.C. are the principal owners of the mine.
