The Hillcrest mine disaster, the worst coal mining disaster in Canadian history, occurred at Hillcrest, Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass region of western Canada, on Friday June 19, 1914, 9:30 am. At the time it was the world's third worst mine disaster. The accident had a profound effect on the town of Hillcrest Mines, which in 1914 had a population of about 1,000. A total of 189 workers died, about half of the mine’s total workforce, which left 90 women widowed and about 250 children fatherless. Many of the victims were buried in a mass grave at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Condolences came from across the country, including a brief message from King George V, but the commencement of World War I soon overshadowed this event. Operations at Hillcrest mine continued until 1939. A monument to the Hillcrest mine disaster and the lives lost has been placed at the Hillcrest cemetery. In 1990, Canadian folk-singer James Keelaghan recorded Hillcrest Mine, one of his best-known songs. The disaster is also featured in the song Coal Miner by Alberta-based Rocky Mountain Folk-Pop singer Joal Kamps.
Continue reading...From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.