Cause of disaster: Five men were killed when blown out shots ignited the coal dust.
Five Killed in Mine Blast
Washington Democrat, Indiana
February 19, 1915
Rich Hill, Mo., Feb. 19. -- Five men were killed in an explosion in the Atlas Coal Co's shaft, nine miles northwest of here.
They are:
- Thomas R. Watson
- Fred Schultz
- William Breen
- Frank Rhody
- George Cartwright
Up until two months ago 70 men worked in the mine, but on account of fire, the state mine inspector ordered that only five men in eight-hour shifts work.