MCDUNN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Just two short days after the Christmas holiday, tragedy struck the mining town of McDunn and surrounding communities in Fayette County in 1934.
December 27th will mark 88 years since a steam locomotive boiler exploded in the town and killed several miners.
The work train was hauling 350 miners that day to the No. 5 mine of the Elkhorn-Piney Coal company.
Miners had been picked up at their homes along Armstrong Creek by the daily work train. The miners were from different communities such as Powellton, Deepwater, Cannelton, and Eagle.
Of the 350 miners, at least 18 died and several were injured and had to be transported to hospitals. Several died in the hospital due to their injuries and even shock. The miners that died were located in the first three coach cars of the train.
The explosion was said to be caused by an overheated crown sheet on account of low water.
Victims ranged from the ages of 18 to 55.
