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In 1942, the Scotts Run coal district near Morgantown saw three deadly mining accidents in just eight months, killing 89 miners.
On May 12, 1942, a worker left a ventilation door open at the Christopher No. 3 mine, causing methane to build up. An electric arc from machinery triggered an explosion that killed 53 miners and caused roof collapses. Three others suffocated from dangerous gases.
On July 9, 1942, a roof fall at Pursglove No. 2 mine caused coal dust and methane to explode, killing 20 miners.
On January 8, 1943, a fire in a mine locomotive spread to the coal seam, causing heavy smoke. 12 miners died when they couldn’t escape.
