By the Associated Press
Coal Glen, N.C., May 30—Rescue work at the Carolina Coal Company’s mine here, the scene of Wednesday’s disaster, was halted temporarily today when rising waters in the pit made it necessary to stop the search for the bodies, and allow the pumping crew to bail out the lower end of the shaft. Officials said it would be several hours before the relief work could be resumed.
Three to five bodies remained to be discovered, it was estimated, after 52 had been recovered early today.
The relief car from the federal bureau of mines was expected to leave the scene some time late today, experts having declared their work practically ended.
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54 Bodies Recovered
Coal Glen, N.C., May 30 (AP)—Fifty-four bodies had been recovered from the Carolina Coal Company’s mine today and officials estimated there were probably four more in the second lateral, and a fifth at the end of the main shaft.
The fifth body is supposed to be that of Joe Hudson, a white miner. The others are negroes. Thus the total number of dead would be 59.
Today’s efforts are being exerted under the disadvantages of excessive heat. Soldiers and miners worked to establish a pumping system to free the mine of water. While mine experts possibly would resume work this afternoon, they stated that it might be several days before the bodies remaining in the mine would be recovered.
No definite arrangements have been made early this afternoon for local funerals. The work of shipping bodies, however, to outside points continued.
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All Bodies Expected to be Removed Today
Coal Glen, May 29—Worn by three days and two nights of almost constant duty, rescue crews at the scene of the Carolina Coal company’s mine disaster were carrying on their work tonight almost asleep on their feet., With 47 bodies recovered, it was predicted that the mine will be completely penetrated by tomorrow and all bodies probably located, even if not removed, due to physical difficulties.
Despite the fact that mine officials had provided for regular shifts so as to rest the men, some of them insisted on working, so anxious were they to do the last possible service for their comrades stricken down in the line of duty.
A discouraging note was sounded today when mine officials announced that there were several additional men reported missing and that the total death list probably would between 55 and 60. The miners had penetrated tonight into all the workings of the mine except the second right lateral, and work was beginning on this. The main shaft had been penetrated for its entire length of 2,500 feet, except the last 100 feet where debris and rising water impeded the work. It was not believed that the rising water would constitute a menace. Experts of the federal bureau of mines predicted that every section of the mine will be explored by tomorrow evening, and it was expected that all bodies except those hidden in recesses, would be recovered by that time.
The first local funerals were held this afternoon when four of the men were buried in the Farmville Union Cemetery. In addition, undertakers at Sanford sent nearly a score of bodies to their families in various sections of this and other states.
Throughout today the rescue crews pushed grimly on in their work with the hot sun making labor more difficult. Despite the fact that hope had been abandoned for all the men in the mine and the majority of the bodies had been recovered, hundreds stood about to watch with intense expressions as the cable hauled the mine cars with their burdens to the surface every two hours.
The undertaking establishments of Sanford were filled with bodies tonight, awaiting word from relatives in distant places or local burial, probably tomorrow.
From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Friday, May 30, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-05-30/ed-1/seq-1/#words=MAY+30%2C+1925
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Mine Disaster Stirs Sympathies of Nation. . . Between 50 and 71 Miners Trapped as Explosions Occur in Carolina Mine. No Hope for Their Safe Recovery Entertained Positively
Between 50 and 71 miners employed by the Carolina Coal company were trapped in their mine near Sanford when an explosion occurred Wednesday morning. The explosion was caused by gas.
Twenty-seven of the bodies have been located and found to be in a mangled condition, and hopes that they may have been alive were dissipated. Of this number, 20 of the bodies have been positively identified. A special train of relief workers were sent from Pittsburgh immediately after the disaster.
Rescue works have continued the nerve straining work in four-hour shifts for 48 hours without sleep, and their stoic heroism has incited the admiration of all of the thousands who breathlessly await the return of each crew from the maw of the earth. Practically all the men entombed are young men, and their parents, other relatives and friends anxiously await news from the workers in the mine.
The Red Cross has established a first aid and refreshment booth at the mouth of the mine for the comfort, convenience and protection of the tireless workers.
An appeal for financial assistance for dependent relatives of the unfortunate miners has been made by the mayor of Sanford and is being broadcast through the state. No doubt there will be a pleasing response to this appeal.
From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, N.C., Friday, May 30, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-05-30/ed-1/seq-1/
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