Christopher Coal Company NO. 3 Mine Report
- Title
- Christopher Coal Company NO. 3 Mine Report
- Description
- In the afternoon of May 12, 1942, an explosion occurred at the Christopher Coal Company Mine (mine number 3), located in Monongalia County. Located near the Monongahela River, just six miles from what is now known as Morgantown, West Virginia. When the explosion occurred, 130 men were inside the mine at work. In the split second of the explosion, 56 men were instantly killed on impact. When the explosion occurred, a fire occurred beyond the direct impact. The cause of the explosion is said to have been triggered when a worker accidentally left a ventilation door open, permitting methane to accumulate. When a spark from machinery occurred, the explosion ignited, instantly killing 56 men within the mine. This explosion is one of the first major mine explosions in the state, and with this coal company.
- Source
- WVRHC A&M 4203, B1, F4
- Site pages
- History of Mining
