MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Tuesday marked 58 years since the Siltix mine explosion in Mount Hope that claimed seven lives and injured many others.
On Saturday, July 23, 1966, the small town of Mount Hope was shaken by a devastating explosion at the Siltix Mine, operated by the New River Company.
The blast resulted in the deaths of seven miners and severe injuries to two others.
State and federal investigations revealed that a combination of factors led to the tragedy.
Poor ventilation allowed methane and other gases to accumulate within the mine.
The standard practice of segmenting workspaces was not adhered to, and only the foreman was equipped with a flame safety lamp, which should have been issued to all miners.
The electrical equipment in the explosion area was improperly maintained. An errant spark from this equipment ultimately triggered the explosion.
In the immediate vicinity of the explosion, seven miners lost their lives, while two were severely injured.
Thirty-nine other miners managed to escape with minor injuries, though many were forced to barricade themselves underground until ventilation was restored.
Reports from state and federal agencies unequivocally blamed the New River Company for extreme negligence, citing a failure to follow basic safety protocols.
Despite these findings, the company refused to accept responsibility for the disaster.
The Siltix Mine continued operations until 1984 when its entrance was sealed.
The memories of the miners who perished in the 1966 disaster live on, as surviving relatives and community members honor their lives at an annual memorial service.
A historical marker and memorial now stand where the former mine portal was at the edge of town.
