Four men were fatally injured when the cage they were riding plunged about 600 feet to the bottom of the shaft.  The direct cause of the accident was the breaking of the clutch-band anchor on the south drum, which disengaged the clutch and permitted the hoisting cable to unwind.

The following were fatally injured about 7:15 a.m. on January 5, 1971:

• William R. Wollett, mining engineer, age 33
  This was Mr. Wollett's first shift at this mine.  He is survived by his wife and two dependent children.
• Fred J. Davidson, skip tender, age 26
  Mr. Davidson had worked at this mine 4½ years.  He is survived by his wife and one dependent child.
• John Owens, mechanic, age 50
  Mr. Owens had worked at this mine for 1½ years.  He is survived by his wife and four dependent children.
• Ronald Warner, skip tender, age 32
  Mr. Warner had worked at this mine periodically for 7 years.  He is survived by his wife and two dependent children.