Monday is the 77th Anniversary of the Centralia Number 5 Mine disaster that claimed 111 lives.
A huge explosion hit far down into the mine at 3:27 pm on March 25th, 1947. A large rescue operation followed as a search began for the 142 men who were at work below the surface. Days of funerals followed for the victims.
An investigation late determined the explosion resulted from coal dust ignited by explosive. Recommendations to improve mine safety were later adopted.
Wamac Mayor Butch Mathus will talk about the mine disaster at the Marion County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting at six Monday night at the Bryan Bennett Library at 315 South Maple in Salem. Everyone is welcome to attend.
