On the night of January 1, 1923, a group of Croatian miners were killed in a dynamite blast near Durbin, West Virginia. The explosion killed 17 men and injured several others.
The victims of the blast were all Croatian immigrants who had come to the United States in search of work. They were part of a larger wave of immigration from Croatia that began in the late 19th century. Many Croatian immigrants settled in West Virginia, where they worked in the coal mines.
The cause of the blast was never officially determined. However, it is believed that the explosion was caused by a spark from a miner's lamp. The spark ignited a pile of dynamite that was being stored in the mine.
The blast was a tragic event that claimed the lives of 17 men. It also highlighted the dangers of working in the coal mines. In the wake of the blast, there were calls for increased safety measures in the mines. However, it would be many years before significant changes were made.
The victims of the blast were buried in a mass grave in Durbin. A memorial was later erected at the site of the blast. The memorial is a reminder of the tragedy that occurred on that night in 1923 and the sacrifices that Croatian immigrants made in the name of progress.
In 2003, the West Virginia Coal Mine Wars Museum dedicated a permanent exhibit to the victims of the blast. The exhibit tells the story of the blast and the lives of the men who were killed. It also highlights the dangers of working in the coal mines and the need for safety measures.
The blast near Durbin is a reminder of the dark side of coal mining. However, it is also a reminder of the sacrifices that immigrants made in the name of progress. The men who were killed in the blast were working to provide for their families and build a better life for themselves. They are remembered for their bravery and their commitment to their families.
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