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Coal mine explosions in Monongah, West Virginia kills 361

The Benwood Mine Disaster was a coal mine explosion that occurred on Monday, April 28, 1924, at the Benwood Mine of the former Benwood Works of Wheeling Steel Corporation, located in the city of...

The Benwood Mine Disaster was a coal mine explosion that occurred on Monday, April 28, 1924, at the Benwood Mine of the former Benwood Works of Wheeling Steel Corporation, located in the city of Benwood in Marshall County, West Virginia. The disaster claimed the lives of 119 coal miners. There were no survivors. It is the third worst coal mining disaster in the state of West Virginia after the Monongah Mine disaster of December 6, 1907, that claimed the lives of 361 miners and the Eccles Mine Disaster of April 28, 1914, that claimed the lives of 183 miners.

Two explosions were caused by the ignition of methane gas and coal dust.

Historical Significance

The Benwood Mine Disaster was a coal mine explosion that occurred on Monday, April 28, 1924, at the Benwood Mine of the former Benwood Works of Wheeling Steel Corporation, located in the city of Benwood in Marshall County, West Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 6, 1907?
The Benwood Mine Disaster was a coal mine explosion that occurred on Monday, April 28, 1924, at the Benwood Mine of the former Benwood Works of Wheeling Steel Corporation, located in the city of Benwood in Marshall County, West Virginia. The disaster claimed the lives of 119 coal miners. There were no survivors.
Why is Coal mine explosions in Monongah, West Virginia kills 361 significant?
The Benwood Mine Disaster was a coal mine explosion that occurred on Monday, April 28, 1924, at the Benwood Mine of the former Benwood Works of Wheeling Steel Corporation, located in the city of Benwood in Marshall County, West Virginia.

Explore More

December 6 in HistoryYear 1907