SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Thursday morning the Sullivan community came together honor and remember the 51 lives lost in a mine explosion in 1925.
It remains the most devastating mine explosion in Indiana’s history. This incident was so impactful at the time, United Mine Workers of America representative Tim Miller said it led to lawmakers changing the law.
“They removed gasoline engines from underground,” said Miller. “There were other regulations at the time like in 1925, people only had one escape way. They had one way in and one way out, and when that regulation was changed, they had to have two escape ways. In the event of an explosion, fire, or rock fall the men couldn’t evacuate and they would be buried alive.”
This memorial service included a poem written by a survivor of this tragedy, a deep dive into the details of the following days of the explosion, and a moment of silence at 10:30 a.m. which was the exact time of the explosion.
“We are a coal mining community, and this goes back to us being Sullivan special and Sullivan strong,” said Sullivan Mayor J.D. Wilson. “These gentlemen, rescue teams, and the community that came together after this event happened proved that and started the movement of Sullivan special, Sullivan strong.”
Wilson said these men will forever be remembered and honored by the city.
“This community had coal miners in it back then and we still do today as it is part of the tradition and history of it,” said Wilson. “I am blessed with the turnout today and being able to honor those men and their families.”
