How many people died in the worst mining disaster?

Over 1,500 people died in the Benxihu (Honkeiko) coal mine disaster, which is considered the deadliest mining accident in history.

The Benxihu (Honkeiko) Coal Mine Disaster: A Historical Tragedy

The worst mining disaster known occurred on April 26, 1942, at the Benxihu (Honkeiko) coal mine in Liaoning Province, China. This catastrophic event, primarily caused by a coal dust explosion, led to an immense loss of life, making it the most fatal mining accident ever recorded.

Key Details of the Disaster

The Benxihu disaster stands as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in coal mining, particularly during an era with less stringent safety regulations. The immediate cause of the tragedy was a powerful coal dust explosion, which is a severe hazard in coal mines where fine coal particles can become airborne and ignite, leading to a chain reaction.

• Date: April 26, 1942
• Location: Benxihu (Honkeiko) coal mine, Liaoning Province, China
• Cause: Coal dust explosion
• Fatalities: Over 1,500 people

Impact and Scale

The sheer scale of fatalities at the Benxihu mine distinguishes it as the worst mining disaster in history. The high death toll was exacerbated by various factors, including the intense heat and toxic gases produced by the explosion and subsequent fires. This event underscores the devastating potential of industrial accidents and the critical importance of safety measures in hazardous environments.

To put the scale of this disaster into perspective, here's a summary:

For further information on historical mining incidents, you can refer to resources on mining accident.