The Naomi Mine Explosion at Fayette City, Pennsylvania

Fayette City, Pennsylvania

Fayette City is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 714 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Belle Vernon Area School District....

 happened on December 1, 1907. 34 miners were killed in the explosion. The mine was operated by the United Coal Company, who did not provide modern safety lamps to the miners. The explosion was felt to be due to the ignition of 'black damp'

Firedamp

Firedamp is a flammable gas found in coal mines. It is the name given to a number of flammable gases, especially methane. It is particularly commonly found in areas where the coal is bituminous...

 by open lamps. This explosion, along with the Darr Mine Disaster

Darr Mine Disaster

The Darr Mine Disaster at Van Meter, Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, near Smithton, killed 239 men and boys on December 19, 1907. It ranks as the worst coal mining disaster in Pennsylvania history...

made December, 1907 the worst month in coal mining in Pennsylvania history.