1924 — March 28, Yukon Pocahontas Coal, Yukon #2 Mine gas explosion, Yukon, WV — 26

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 3-26-2025 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–26  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC. Mining Disasters.

–26  United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. Yukon No. 2.

Narrative Information

United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. Yukon No. 2:

“Cause of Explosion: The No. 2 mine, connected to the No. 1 workings, was in an isolated location.  Three miners taking a shortcut to their working places through unventilated abandoned workings set off gas with their open lights. Dust was stirred up, and a violent explosion spread over much of the mine. The mine was very dry and dusty although an attempt was made to water haulageways once or twice a day.”

 

Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Bodies of All 26 Mine Blast Victims Found.” 3-29-1924.”

“Welch, March 29….The identified dead are:

  • Joe Katonia
  • Steve Matthews
  • Tony Batnick
  • John Leska
  • Tony Zusko
  • George Jackson
  • Charles Rose
  • Mike Marinola
  • Lon Gilbert
  • George Catthell
  • George Melton
  • Henry Christian
  • Harry Gilbert
  • Harrison Hicks
  • R. F. Worley
  • George Barnsky
  • Frank Munsey
  • Russell Edmonds
  • George Ball
  • Leonard Ferrell
  • L. E. Jones
  • George Payne
  • Jean Leslie

(From United States Mine Association transcription.)

 

Sources

 

Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Bodies of All 26 Mine Blast Victims Found.” 3-29-1924.” Accessed 3-30-2025 at: https://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/yukon.htm

 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Safety and Health Research..  Mining Disasters (Incidents with 5 or more Fatalities). NIOSH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2-26-2013 update. Accessed 3-30-2025 at:

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/NIOSH-Mining/MMWC/MineDisasters/Table

 

United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. Yukon-Pocahontas Coal Company Yukon No. 2 Mine Explosion, Yukon, McDowell County, West Virginia, March 28, 1924, No. Killed – 26.” Accessed 3-30-2025 at: https://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/yukon.htm