united states mine rescue association | Tank's Poetry |
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Mine Inspector Edward Curtis sent word of the fatalities to the surface several hours after a rescue squad was sent down to batter its way through tons of rock and coal that entombed the workers. All the bodies were recovered. The dead were identified as:
Three other rescuers were affected, but were able to remain at the mine. They were James Grippi, Joseph Pascucci and Charles Pagane. The explosion occurred about 8:30 a.m. in the Pittston vein, about 200 feet below the surface. Investigators said ten other men escaped the force of the blast and rushed to the upper levels. One hundred fifty were at work in other parts of the mine. Michael J. Hartneady, Secretary of Mines, took personal charge of investigation upon his arrival from Harrisburg. |
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