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.