Ten men lost their lives from inhaling smoke caused by a fire in a shanty at the bottom of the shaft.  While filling a torch with oil, a can of oil in the hands of a bottom-man exploded, setting fire to the oil-shanty and timbers at the turnout.  The mine was very dry and the flames spread rapidly, cutting off and smothering 10 men who were working inby the shaft. See more disasters probably caused by smoking articles or open lights.

---

Another Mine Horror in Pennsylvania
The Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY
April 1, 1893

Shamokin, Pa., April 1 -- At 7 o'clock this morning a terrible explosion occurred in the Neilson Shaft, caused by a miner's lamp.  Owing to yesterday being a holiday there was not as many men at work this morning as usual.  Many of these escaped but there are poor prospects that of those left, many will be found alive.

Ten bodies have already been recovered, and the search continues.  A number of mules have perished from suffocation.  The mine is operated by Langdon and Company.

The dead are: John Roble, James and Mike Brennan, John Ryan, Frederick Ginter, John Burt, John Garry, Joe Bortex, Nick Dolton and Frank Shupis.

It is not known whether there are anymore in the mine, which is burning fiercely with imminent danger of an explosion.  Despite this a force of men and officers are bravely battling the flames and the gas.

The dead were all found in the Red Ash vein, two hundred feet below.  Nine thousand men are thrown out of employment.