Tank's Poetry
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united states mine rescue association
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Tank's Poetry |
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From the Google News Archives:  (news links open in a separate window)
Miners are Entombed in a Tennessee Mine Trenton Evening Times, Trenton, New Jersey December 21, 1895 The mines are two in number and are known as "sloping" mines. The opening of the mines is about 1½ miles from the town, and the slope extends almost two miles from the mouth. One hundred and fifty-seven men were employed at the works mining coal. In entry No. 1, the most remote from the mouth, 30 men and boys were at work when the explosion took place. The explosion was terrific. The men in the entries No. 1, 2, 7 and 9 made a break for the mouth. All escaped except Tom Hawkins, whose exit was rendered impossible by the gas and who fell behind his fleeing comrades. Oscar Hawkins was seriously burned and Jim Tucker and Ed Blackford slightly. In the meanwhile the mine had caved over entry No. 10. The escaping miners rapidly spread the news of the explosion. Men, women, and children ran to the mouth of the mines crying and moaning. The miners made desperate attempts to reach their brethren, but the afterdamp was too great. Several were overcome by the gaseous atmosphere and had to be carried from the mines. Powerful fans were put to work to pump fresh air into the entry, and finally the rescuing party was able to get close to the scene of the explosion to see the bodies lying in the mine. The deceased:
As nearly as the facts can be ascertained the gas was ignited in entry No. 10 by Tom Hawkins, the gas inspector, while in the performance of his duty. All of the miners in the entry escaped except Hawkins. General Superintendent V. Ferguson has arrived from New York. Mr. Ferguson said that the men had been working in the mines with lamps, and he supposed the gas had caught these lamps. |
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