PREMATURE EXPLOSION FATAL TO MINE
DRILLER Ernest Tinnin, aged 33, of Mine La Motte, a driller in the St. Joseph Lead Cmpany mine at Mine La Motte, was fatally injured in the premature explosion of a charged drill hole in the mine there about three o'clock on last Sunday morning. He passed away at the Bonne Terre Hospital at 10:30 the same day from the injuries sustained in the accident. Tinnin had completed his shift of drilling and was preparing to shoot the seven holes he had drilled before checking out for the shift. Joe Owens, power shovel operator, moved his machine to a place of safety until loaded holes had been fired. A few minutes later an explosion occurred which was followed immediately by a call from Tinnin for help. Owens realized that only one hole had fired and that the others would explode very soon, but he did not hesitate and ran immediately to Tinnin's assistance. With Owens' help he was able to walk about 100 feet from the danger spot when he collapsed. Owens picked him up and continued the journey to safety. When they had reached a point about 170 feet from the loaded holes the other six fired. Fortunately, they were far enough from this last explosion that no injuries resulted from it. Tinnin was promptly removed from the mine and taken in Dixon Ambulance to the Bonne Terre Hospital [St. Francois County] where he passed away at 10:30 as stated above. He retained consciousness up until almost the time of his death. He said he did not know what caused the one charge to explode prematurely. We understand this kind of an accident has rarely occurred in this mining district. Tinnin sustained a skull fracture and badly injured left side. Source: Local Newspaper Clipping According to Mr. Tinnin's death certificate, his full name was William Ernest Tinnin. He was born June 9, 1909, in Bollinger County, Missouri, son of Jake Tinnin and Susie (Yount) Tinnin. He died January 10, 1943, aged 33 years, 7 months, 1 day. He was single at the time of his death. ~~~~~ |