Submitted by 
Marti Graham

Fourteen Killed In Mine Explosion
Fire Damp In Mine Near Poteau, I. T., Caused Disaster

Poteau, I. T., Jan 25 - Fourteen lives were lost in the explosion yesterday in slope No. 4 of the Witteville mine. The explosion was caused by fire damp. Three of the fourteen bodies have been recovered, but it is impossible to enter the mine because of the gas, to attempt a recovery of the other.

The dead:

John Alexander
Will Alexander
Peter Dunsetto
Angelo Reek
J. H. Harp
James Duffey
Thomas Reek
Joseph Ratley
F. Frankman
James Thomas
A. H. Dunlap

The explosion occurred yesterday afternoon. Two of the sixteen men working in the mine were able to make their escape.

Contributed by Marti Graham, September 2003. Information posted as courtesy to researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.