Thomas Gill's narrow escape from the diaster that day

Thomas Gill's narrow escape from the disaster that day. It was an account Written up in the WILKES BARRE RECORD.

Twin Mine Diaster, June 1896

Thomas Gill was working at the foot of the slope, while the pillars were cracking and chipping and he became very nervous fearing a cave in. The men timbering were some distance ahead of him and farther in the mine.

While he was yet debating the possibilities there came a cyclonic gust of air that lifted him from his feet and carried him along about twenty-five feet and threw him against a pillar. As soon as he landed on his feet he was again picked up bodily and was again thrown some distance forward, his light was out and he was in total darkness. Fearing an explosion of gas if he struck a match he crawled on his hands and knees to the foot of the shaft. On the way he came across Frank Sheridan, who had a similar experience and escaped being entombed by almost a hair's breadth. He and Gill gave the signal to be hoisted and were the first to tell those on the surface of the horrible affairs underground." Wilkes Barre Record. June, 1896.

Donated by Kathryn Carpenter