West Virginia's first major mine explosion of the 20th century happened on March 6, 1900, at the Red Ash Mine in Fayette County. The explosion was caused by methane gas that had built up after a ventilating door was left open. When workers ignored safety rules and entered the mine, their lights likely triggered the gas, causing an explosion that killed 46 people. Most died from suffocating in the toxic gases after the blast.

Five years later, on March 18, 1905, another explosion occurred at the now-connected Red Ash and Rush Run mines. A mine car hit loose explosives, causing an explosion that ignited coal dust. A rescue team entered with open flames, causing a second blast that killed 11 rescuers. It took ten days to recover all 24 bodies from both explosions.