1928 — Feb 24, Mama No. 3 Coal Mine gas explosion, Jenny Lind, Ark.             —     13

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 2-18-2025 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13  Cole.  History of MSHA, slide 39.

–13  United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. Mama No. 3.

Narrative Information

United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. Mama No. 3:

USMRA Excerpt: “About February 19 a connection had been made between Mama Coal Co. No. 3 mine and the adjoining No. 18 mine of the Consolidated Sales Co. A wooden stopping with a slide regulator had been put in to seal off the connection. The No. 3 mine had been idle and the fan not running from February 21 to the morning of February 24. At 8:30 a. m. gas was ignited at this regulator by the open light of a man from the No. 18 mine who had been sent to change the opening. His body was found under the debris of the stopping.

“The explosion was propagated a short distance into the No. 18 mine by dust but was stopped by dampness and expansion. The same conditions arrested propagation in the No. 3 mine, where 12 men were killed and 115 escaped. In No. 18 mine 14 men came out unaided. Little damage was done, and the bodies were soon recovered. Ventilation in both mines was inadequate; open lights were used; no rock dust was applied; and holes were shot on the solid with black powder. Fireboss examinations were made.”

Sources

Cole, Jesse P. (MSHA District 4 Manager). “History of MSHA,” Leadership Intensive Course Mine Safety and Health Administration. No date. 48 slides. Accessed 1-11-2009 at:  http://www.usmra.com/repository/category/mining/modified_History_of_MSHA.ppt#256,1

United States Mine Rescue Association. Mine Disasters in the United States. “Mama Coal Company, Mama No. 3 Mine Explosion, Jenny Lind, Sebastian County, Arkansas, February 24, 1928, No. Killed – 13.” Accessed 2-18-2025 at: https://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/mama_news_only.htm