Centralia No.5

Abstract

Centralia Mine No. 5 exploded on March 25, 1947 111 men were killed as result of coal dust explosion. There was a shortage of man power. Driscoll Scanlan was hired as an Illinois Mine Inspector. Mr. Scanlan inspected the mine every 3 months. Each time he reported the severity of the coal dust buildup in the mine. Mr. Scanlan considered Centralia the most dangerous of all the mines that he inspected. Mr. Scanlan’s reports were mailed to the Department of Mines and Minerals, which were always, treated routine. Those reports were then mailed back to the mines asking the mine to “please comply.” After explosion, investigation followed the blast to determine what happened and why. A grand jury indicted Centralia Co. as a corporation. The mine was fined a maximum of $300 for each count. (Stillman, 2010).

For a city of such humble beginnings, established by the railroad via a land grant in 1853 no one could have guessed that Centralia, Illinois would have faced such devastation and tragedy less than a century later (Hartley and Kenney, 29906). The city of Centralia—throughout most of its history, experienced slow economic growth, progressed steadily and changed gradually, which provided a stable environment for the community and its growth. As any typical Midwestern town did, Centralia saw many highs and lows within the city’s primary business and industry. Those highs and lows of coal mining, farming and railroad business helped Centralia become a balanced yet mining proved a primary source of employment for many city residence and immigrants. (Hartley and Kenney, 2006).

Identify and explain four logistical alternatives Scanlan Could have addressed.

With so many tales of sorrow, shame and blame Scanlan, a state mine inspector whose responsibility was the safety of mines and its workers. Scanlan was left with very chooses when it came to following protocol and devastation that happen that dreadful day. Scanlan repeated told state...