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Springhill Mining Disasters
In the 1950s, the town of Springhill, N.S., was devastated by two of the worst mining disasters in Canadian history. An explosion in 1956 killed 39 miners, and another 74 died in the "bump" of 1958. Despite much hardship, the people of Springhill have shown a will to survive that is tougher than coal.

	Mine explosion rocks Springhill		The tragedy surfaces		More blood on the coal in '58
	On Nov. 1, 1956, the town of Springhill is rocked by a terrible explosion in the No. 4 colliery of the Cumberland mines. (Radio; runs 0:56)		As draegermen scour the mines for signs of life, families keep vigil at the pithead. (TV; runs 3:14)		On Oct. 23, 1958, Springhill is revisited by tragedy. (TV; runs 5:35)

	The miracle miners		What's ahead for Springhill?		A geothermal future
	On Oct. 29, 1958, six days after the bump, rescuers hear voices through the coal. Twelve miners are discovered alive. (TV; runs 1:58)		The mines are closed and jobs are scarce but optimism prevails. (TV; runs 2:10)		Springhill emerges from its mining past to embrace a geothermal future. (TV; runs 2:28)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Catastrophes minières à Springhill CBC.ca CBC Radio: This Morning -- The Springhill Mine Disaster The Roots Report: Maurice Ruddick's "The Springhill Mine Disaster Song" External sites The Town of Springhill The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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