Hinton coal mine explosion in 1938

There is a marker near Griffith’s Ford – the one that has a plaque commemorating the March 30th,1938 coal mine accident. Their names are Peitro Phillipino, George Blycha, William Ilecka, Martin Sprela and Tony Patushuk. The explosion was 240 feet down, they were killed.

The fire boss was a guy named William Aitken. He too was injured, severely, but nevertheless rescued four others who had been wounded. Each of the rescued had burns on their hands and face.

Aitken’s hands were so badly burned that he dragged the last person he rescued out of harm’s way with his teeth.

The miners had drilled holes in preparation for firing “shots” of dynamite. As most people know, it’s how they dislodge the coal. The shots hadn’t yet been fired when the explosion occurred. The main cause is thought to have been an electric drill, used for making the shot holes. The drill was not intended for use in a gassy mine (methane gas), as the motor was not enclosed. Sparks were seen coming from the motor by witnesses.

A funeral for the victims was held in Edson. At the time Hinton did not have a cemetery. They were buried in a communal lot and share a common monument.