From the Cheyenne Daily Leader, June 30 - July 6, 1903
At 10:30 a.m. the mine was rent by an explosion of gas when 215 men were in the pit. Flames burst for with great fury, and
the mouth of the mine was filled with debris.
The explosion was thought to have originated at the end of the slope, 1½ miles underground. The blast tore timbers
from the slipe and hurled them far outside.
Entrance was made through the manway, and bodies of men and mules were found throughout the mine. A fire was burning and gas accumulated in the
workings.
Forty-six men were rescued alive. A survivor related that 2 explosions occurred about 2 seconds apart, one from blasting, the other from
the ignition of gas and dust.
Attempts to control the fire and open the lower levels failed, and the mine was sealed at the 14th level.
The mine was reopened in November, but some parts were left sealed and 1 body was not recovered.
Source:
Historical Summary of Mine Disasters in the United States - Volume I
