Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. Explosion
September 20, 1890
A TERRIBLE EXPLOSION
THE LIVES OF FOUR MEN BLOTTED OUT AS A RESULT.
Wilkesbarre, Pa., Sept. 22--A terrible
explosion of gas took place in the Murray shaft
of the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal company
Saturday afternoon. Ropes were strung around the
mouth of the shaft, and no one was allowed
within twenty feet of the opening, as it is
feared that a second explosion may take place at
any time. There were five men in the shaft at
the time of the explosion,
Lawrence Casey, James Sullivan, James
Roswell, Fire boss
Edward Butson
and Anthony
Jennings. This shaft is considered
one of
The Gasiest in the World.
The origin of the explosion is unknown. Hundred
anxiously awaited the results of the rescuing
party which went down the shaft as soon as it
was safe to do so. The party consisted of
Superintendent Scott,
Foreman Thomas Ford, Morgan Mogans
and Mine Inspector
Williams. They returned after an
hour’s search and reported that all were dead,
except Edward Butson,
who was seriously burned. Later on the dead were
brought from the pit to the surface, a distance
of 600 feet, and taken to their homes.
The Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA 25 Sept
1890
Transcribed by Audrey. Thank you,
Audrey!
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Wilkes-Barre,
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