Tank's Poetry
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united states mine rescue association
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Tank's Poetry |
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The sole survivor among the men in the fatal chamber was James Carmoesoni. His escape seems a miracle. The explosion was heard in all parts of the mine, and the miners numbering over one hundred, hurried to the surface. The news of the accident spread like a flash over the little town of Kings, and rescuing parties were at once organized. A telephone call for assistance was also sent to Como. Danger of suffocation was to be feared from the gas which yet remained in the mine, but venturesome leaders braved the way and were heroically followed by miners and citizens. Twenty-four bodies were found in the chamber where the premature shot exploded or in its immediate vicinity. Evidently the victims were killed outright by the explosion or were knocked senseless by the shock and asphyxiated by the deadly gases. The bodies were found in all sorts of agonizing positions, in many instances lying crossed or clasped together. The slow work of carrying the dead to the surface was then commenced. In the meantime, the shaft was surrounded by scores of women and children, the families of the miners. The heartrending scenes may be imagined as body after body was brought out and laid side by side with the others, and the work of identification commenced. There are about 300 people at Kings, and the heads of all families are employed in the mines which give work to about 200 men. The room in which the explosion occurred has been sealed up, and will not be opened until the state inspector of mines, who left here this morning, arrives at the scene of the disaster. Twenty-five coffins were ordered from Denver last night and were shipped to Como this morning. |
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