N&W in 1911--Explosion

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
August 2, 1911

[Because the N&W was only mentioned briefly, just a few paragraphs about the accident itself are included below.]

FOUR KILLED IN EXPLOSION NEAR WELCH
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Nine Men Injured in New Operation of Standard Pocahontas Coal Company
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DETAILS OF MIDNIGHT MINE HORROR LACKING
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Norfolk and Western Appealed to for Engine Which Was Quickly Dispatched to be Used in Carrying Survivors to Miner's Hospital
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INSPECTOR NICHOLSON IS BELIEVED TO BE AT SCENE

    Shortly after 11:30 last nigh an explosion occurred at the works of the Standard-Pocahontas Coal Company which, according to the reports received here, killed four men and injured nine others.  The cause of the explosion could not be learned here this morning.
    The mine is a new one and the coal is reached by a shaft which is 300 feet deep.  The men who were in the nine were at work getting it in shape to commence shipments.  About $250,000 has been spent in developing the mine which is equipped in first class style.
    Following the usual custom of rendering immediate assistance to stricken coal companies aid was given as soon as an engine could be secured and dispatched to Farm, which is the railroad station at the works of the Standard Pocahontas Coal Company.
    The poor telephone service between Bluefield and Welch rendered it impossible to secure additional information, Welch having been raised but once between 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock, although there is an all-night office at that point.
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Gordon Hamilton
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