Today in Wheeling History: April 28--Two explosions at the Wheeling Steel & Iron Corporation's coal mine in Benwood, West Virginia, claimed the lives of 119 miners, making it the third worst mining disaster in the state's history (1924).
On April 28, 1924, two devastating explosions occurred at the Benwood coal mine operated by the Wheeling Steel & Iron Corporation in Benwood, West Virginia. The disaster, caused by the ignition of methane gas and coal dust, claimed the lives of 119 miners, most of whom were recent immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. There were no survivors, making it the third worst mining disaster in West Virginia history. Rescue efforts were hampered by collapsed roofs, debris, and the presence of deadly afterdamp. Many of the victims were buried in mass graves at local cemeteries, with the largest burial taking place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling. In 2014, the Benwood Mine Disaster Memorial was dedicated to honor the memory of the lost miners, thanks to the efforts of the Benwood Mine Disaster Memorial Committee and the local community.
Among the victims were several Wheeling residents, including Antoni Hamill (43, Wood Street), John Galembieuski (3924 Jacob Street), John Malyska (4728 Eoff Street), Joe Hayda, Feliz Lisak, Mike Paradise, Gust Gannokos, Peter Simos, Karmierice Kar, Wasil Beily, Mike Koziemka, Nick Podola, George McGill, Hugh McGill, William Webster, Alexander Snedden, James D. Gouci, Stanley Golmbivsky, and Llewelyn Joseph. These men, along with their fellow miners, lost their lives in one of the worst industrial accidents in the region's history, leaving behind devastated families and a community in mourning.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4mj3n3h5) (https://rb.gy/moi7m) (https://tinyurl.com/599b2bp2) (https://tinyurl.com/4bvdm3rv) (https://tinyurl.com/yhzs8eca) (https://tinyurl.com/4td46xvu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
On April 28, 1924, two devastating explosions occurred at the Benwood coal mine operated by the Wheeling Steel & Iron Corporation in Benwood, West Virginia. The disaster, caused by the ignition of methane gas and coal dust, claimed the lives of 119 miners, most of whom were recent immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. There were no survivors, making it the third worst mining disaster in West Virginia history. Rescue efforts were hampered by collapsed roofs, debris, and the presence of deadly afterdamp. Many of the victims were buried in mass graves at local cemeteries, with the largest burial taking place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling. In 2014, the Benwood Mine Disaster Memorial was dedicated to honor the memory of the lost miners, thanks to the efforts of the Benwood Mine Disaster Memorial Committee and the local community.
Among the victims were several Wheeling residents, including Antoni Hamill (43, Wood Street), John Galembieuski (3924 Jacob Street), John Malyska (4728 Eoff Street), Joe Hayda, Feliz Lisak, Mike Paradise, Gust Gannokos, Peter Simos, Karmierice Kar, Wasil Beily, Mike Koziemka, Nick Podola, George McGill, Hugh McGill, William Webster, Alexander Snedden, James D. Gouci, Stanley Golmbivsky, and Llewelyn Joseph. These men, along with their fellow miners, lost their lives in one of the worst industrial accidents in the region's history, leaving behind devastated families and a community in mourning.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4mj3n3h5) (https://rb.gy/moi7m) (https://tinyurl.com/599b2bp2) (https://tinyurl.com/4bvdm3rv) (https://tinyurl.com/yhzs8eca) (https://tinyurl.com/4td46xvu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
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