On March 2, 1915, a deadly explosion occurred at the Layland No. 3 mine in Fayette County, killing 112 miners. The blast was so strong it killed a delivery man nearby and blew out the mine’s entrance.

Seven miners were able to escape shortly after the explosion, offering hope to the crowd outside. Over the next few days, rescuers found more bodies and five more survivors. These survivors had barricaded themselves to stay safe from toxic gas. They shared that 41 others had also survived by doing the same (see photo).

There was controversy over the cause of the explosion. While federal experts blamed methane gas and coal dust, state officials argued that careless blasting caused it.