Starford, Pennsylvania – In 1924, an explosion at the Lancashire No. 18 mine of Barnes & Tucker Coal Company tragically killed 36 men, with 4 others reported missing. This devastating event made international headlines a century ago, and today, descendants of the victims are working to create a memorial to honor their loved ones. The explosion, caused by an electric spark in an atmosphere charged with dust and explosive gas, led to the immediate deaths of 32 men, with 4 others succumbing to the afterdamp (by-product gases characterized by a lack of oxygen) generated by the explosion.
The incident, which brought great sorrow to the community, is one of a number of mining disasters that occurred in Pennsylvania’s coal fields in the early 20th century. One of those killed in the Shanktown mine blast was John Uhrin, a Polish immigrant who had moved to the area with his wife, Barbara Yakim, in search of a better life. Unfortunately, John was in the mine that fateful day because he had agreed to take a fellow employee’s place.
The tragedy deeply affected the families of the victims, with one widowed woman having already experienced loss in the Reilly mine explosion of November 1922. This heartbreaking event left many wives without husbands, and children without fathers, underscoring the devastating impact on the community. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover the bodies of the victims, with the last one being found two days after the explosion.
Despite the passage of time, the descendants of the victims haven’t forgotten the sacrifices made by their ancestors. Francis Russell, the grandson of John Uhrin, is leading efforts to establish a memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Shanktown mine blast. His daughter is conducting research in Poland to honor John’s memory and connect with their family’s roots. The resilience and determination of these families serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of this tragic event.