the explosion started deep underground in the number one coal mine after explosives were laid improperly. although many miners died instantly, others were trapped by the explosion and the fires that followed. most miners did not die from the primary explosions or the fires, but many actually died from choking on poisonous gas hours after the initial explosions. these men wrote farewell messages in the dust of their shovels. nearly 150 children lost their fathers and 46 women became widows. a plaque at the foot of milton street commemorates the event.