It will be 70 years ago on Nov. 1 when runaway coal cars sparked coal dust in the Number 4 mine under Springhill, causing an explosion that killed 39 people on the surface and underground in what would be the second of three major disasters in the community’s history.
Clyde Jones said his father, Bill, was working on the surface that afternoon after trading shifts with a friend who wanted to go deer hunting. He was working on the tipple, where loaded coal cars were dumped after reaching the surface.
Just after 5 p.m. coal cars detached from the others and hurtled down the mine shaft, striking a power cable. Arching electricity sparked suspended coal dust and the resulting explosion blew through the mine and to the surface.
His father was blown clear, landing several yards from the shaft. He was burned badly and died six days later in hospital.
Jones was the guest speaker at Springhill’s annual Miners’ Memorial Day commemoration at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church on June 11, 2026.
He said Springhill has a story to tell – one of perseverance – and it’s important for today’s generation and those that follow to continue telling the story of a community that has continued to overcome over the years.
“Stories are how we honour those who came before us. Each person and each family has a story worth preserving for future generations,” he said. “In my own life, many of these stories were not firsthand. They happened long before I was born, but they the still shaped me and the man I am today.
“Here in our town, we have lost so many lives to mining over the years. And yet, Springhill has always shown resilience. Time and time again our community has found the strength to stand back up and continue searching for a better life.”
The explosion garnered international headlines for Springhill, only being overshadowed by the Soviet invasion of Hungary and the Suez Crisis. In the end 39 miners were killed.
Their names, along with the 75 miners who were killed in the Bump of October 1958 and the 125 men and boys killed in the 1891 explosion, are engraved on the memorials in Miner’s Memorial Park on Main Street along with several hundred more names of victims killed in the mines throughout the industry’s history in Springhill.
Miner’s Memorial Day is also known as Davis Day, an annual day of remembrance of miners who were killed on the job in Nova Scotia. It’s named for William Davis, a coal miner who was killed in 1925 during a protest by striking miners. The protest occurred near New Waterford in Cape Breton after the mining company cut off water and electricity during a long, bitter miners’ strike. Residents marched on the pumping station at Waterford Lake demanding the utilities be restored.
During a confrontation with armed company police, shots were fired and Davis was killed. The Davis family had a strong connection to Springhill.
Earlier in the day, the community of River Hebert took time to remember its mining past during a ceremony at the miners’ memorial that’s located in the heart of the community.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor said it’s vital to continue to remember the mining heritage in Cumberland County, including those who mined for coal and those who mined for other elements such as salt.
“The legacy of those who worked and died in the mines remains deeply rooted in the community,” Gilroy said. “Miners’ Memorial Day serves as an important opportunity to remember the men who lost their lives, honour the sacrifices made by miners and their families, and recognize the role coal mining played in building Springhill, River Hebert-Joggins and other communities in Cumberland County. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and respect.”
The mayor said it is more than a remembrance ceremony, it helps ensure that future generations understand the challenges and hardships faced by those who laboured underground.
“It celebrates the strength, perseverance, and community spirit that emerged from tragedy and continues to define our municipality today. Through this annual observance, the stories and sacrifices of our miners are preserved and honoured, ensuring they are never forgotten.”
Here are some photos from the Springhill ceremony?
Here are some photos from the River Hebert service:
