Roslyn Jury Finds Mine Explosion Caused by Poor Ventilation

At 8 o'clock this afternoon, the coroner's jury returned its verdict regarding the disaster in Coal Mine No. 1 at Roslyn: they found that the deceased came to their deaths by the explosion of firedamp caused by deficient ventilation. Among the miners, the verdict was received with general satisfaction, though a representative for the coal company argued the jury was biased, claiming the investigation sought to establish liability rather than uncover facts. State Mine Inspector Edmunds, who led the recovery efforts, testified that he believed the explosion originated in a crosscut between the fifth and sixth levels. He stated that drilling into a crack likely released trapped gas, which was then ignited by the naked lamp of the drill operator. Edmunds further testified that the mine's ventilation was insufficient, noting a significant drop in airflow between the fourth and seventh levels, and suggested that safety lamps should have been mandatory in areas where gas was present.