At 10:25 in the morning an explosion originating in No. 4 mine cost 200 men their lives and injured 7.  Two men came out of No. 4 mine uninjured, and 103 came out of the connecting No. 1 mine uninjured.

The explosion occurred at the head of the "Pike's Peak" section.  It was caused by an accidental explosion of black powder or a windy or blown-out shot.  The amount of powder taken in the mine was very large.  30 kegs were exploded in all throughout the mine, adding to the force of the explosion.

Part of the blast shot out to the surface through No. 4 tunnel and airshaft, and part went through No. 1 mine.  This part soon lost its force and heat as the dust in No. 1 mine was damp.

There were 60 men smothered by the afterdamp; they were not burned.  At no time has there been known to exist in the mines, any explosive gases, before or since the explosion.

No mine is safe without a sufficient amount of moisture to keep the dust damp.  I have suggested to the companies that they put a watering system in all the mines, so that every place can be sprinkled.  This company has complied.

Source:
	Historical Summary of Mine Disasters in the United States - Volume I