100 years ago in North Idaho: ‘Peculiar’ gas kills 3 miners

Three miners in the Marsh Mine at Burke, Idaho, died after they were overcome by “monoxide gas fumes,” the Spokane Daily Chronicle reported.

“According to a report from Burke … the three men lost their lives through defective powder having been used in the shaft late last night.”

The first victim was mine superintendent Fred L. Bergen. He “entered the cage” that morning, unaware of the danger, and was lowered to the previous day’s work site.

When the cage reached bottom, the men above received a signal to raise it – but when it arrived at the surface, it was empty.

Charles Johnson was then lowered down to “see what was the matter.” He did not return. Sam Elvrum then went down. He did not return.

The gas was said to be “of a peculiar nature and seldom encountered.” A first aid crew discovered that their gas helmets afforded no protection against it.

Operations to recover the bodies were postponed until the gas could be cleared.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1643: Louis XIV became King of France at age 4 upon the death of his father, Louis XIII.

1940: The Netherlands surrendered to invading German forces during World War II.

1998: Singer-actor Frank Sinatra died at a Los Angeles hospital at age 82. The hit sitcom “Seinfeld” aired its final episode after nine years on NBC.