Today in history a fire breaks out at the Sunshine Mine located between Kellogg and Wallace, Idaho, kills 91 workers

 Today in history

On May 2, 1972 – In the early morning hours a fire breaks out at the Sunshine Mine located between Kellogg and Wallace, Idaho, killing 91 workers.

The Sunshine Mine disaster, one of the deadliest mining accidents in U.S. history, occurred on May 2, 1972, in the early morning hours at the Sunshine Silver Mine in northern Idaho. Located between the towns of Kellogg and Wallace in the Silver Valley, the mine was one of the largest and most productive silver mines in the country. At the time of the fire, there were 173 miners working underground. The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical fault, possibly from a plastic-insulated power cable or a malfunctioning fan. The mine's ventilation system allowed the smoke and toxic gases—especially carbon monoxide—to quickly spread throughout the tunnels, cutting off escape routes and making the air deadly to breathe. Despite rapid emergency response efforts, 91 miners were unable to escape and perished due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Rescue teams worked around the clock to reach trapped miners and recover bodies, but the labyrinthine structure of the mine and the intensity of the smoke made the effort perilous. Only 80 miners survived the disaster, with two men being found alive after spending over a week sealed in a small chamber with an air pocket and a can of tuna. The tragedy prompted national outcry and brought attention to the often-overlooked dangers faced by miners and the need for better emergency protocols and safety standards.In the aftermath of the disaster, significant changes were made to improve mining safety across the United States. The incident led to the establishment of more rigorous mine safety regulations, including improved fire detection systems, better ventilation, and mandatory training for miners in emergency escape procedures. A memorial stands today near the site of the mine to honor the 91 workers who lost their lives, serving as a somber reminder of the high price paid for industrial progress and the importance of worker safety in hazardous professions. The Sunshine Mine disaster remains a pivotal event in the history of mining safety reform.

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