The Darr Mine Disaster

On December 19, 1907, a tremendous explosion shook the Youghiogheny River Valley at the Darr Mine in Van Meter, Westmoreland County, killing 239 men and boys. It remains the worst mining disaster in Pennsylvania history and led to important changes in the mining industry. Yet very few people know the story. With compelling interviews and rich archival images, the story focuses on a small, dedicated group of people - led by elderly Ann Toth of Bobtown, Pennsylvania - all determined to preserve the Darr's place in history. This documentary from writer/producer David Solomon and videographer/editor Paul Ruggieri originally aired on WQED December 19, 2007, marking the 100th commemoration of the tragedy.
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[@samdeep1097]

Retired deep miner from mines in Somerset and Cambria County, Pa.. Never heard about this tragedy and this is so close to home. So so many gave their lives for coal. Thanks for this video and the step back in time.

[@FreedomofspeechSensor-zu8ip]

Life is full of risk...

[@rayturnbull4462]

​@@FreedomofspeechSensor-zu8ip99😅

[@malamutehunter]

Found this video by accident. Amazing how important this was to so many people. I’m glad the history is still alive.

[@janmcguire5268]

Thank you to all who work to keep history alive!

[@bobwoww8384]

This is the most honorable tribute for the most honorable men, women and children that made this country what it is today.
Thamk You and may God bless you.

[@hunterthomas8032]

I love walking the trail by there, cool to know so much more about the story, than just knowing it was a mine explosion, Rest In Peace

[@MVozar25]

Thanks for making this documentary. Rather somber bike riding through the area knowing how many lives were lost 😞

[@user-zu3no1vq4z]

My great aunts were darrs raised in McKeesport 74 yrs now I just found this

[@gerardchapman8384]

What a beautiful story,thank you and god bless.

[@deanbolyard5345]

RIP Brothers.

[@lisamcdonald9792]

Watching this and realizing the date is 12/19. Chills going down my spine. God bless these miners and their families always ❤❤

[@LiveFutureTrades]

I grew Up in PA. I had no clue that it had this much history...... WOW

[@erict3032]

Used to live right by there. Fished right next to it. So sad

[@paranormaladventurer4922]

The hole has now been filled in even more completely. I guess the documentary gave it more publicity.

[@Autistic_Cowboy]

There are other ways in. ;)

[@paranormaladventurer4922]

@@Autistic_Cowboy I suppose you aren't able to reveal those ways on here?

[@Mullikia]

2:40 There is an interesting object just to the right of her. It looks vaguely familiar.

[@DIZZYUPTHEGIRL34]

My great great great grandfather Mike Migo died in the Darr Mine Disaster.

[@mcmullenp4]

I live in Rostraver and never knew this. Unreal!

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

My paternal grandmother's first husband died in a Fayette County, PA. coal mine. He was run over by a coal car.

[@reglabrum6928]

Reminds me of what happened here in the Beehive State Willburg Mine Fire Emery county in the Central Utah Dec 1984 25 men died due to a compressor left on my wife’s lds church ward in castle Dale Utah in was affected lost half of their membership

[@brt-jn7kg]

I have traced my linage back to the the founding of thus country. If not for my people coming to Texas during Texas independence this very well could have been my family. Theres justvsomethkinf so special about men who go under ground to make theie living.

[@user-zu3no1vq4z]

Just found this my great aunts were darrs. In McKeesport pa. 14:20 14:28 14:47

[@kennethcrowther2277]

239 men would just about have to be the worst mining disaster ever anywhere. I wonder if any have been worse anywhere.

[@mottthehoople693]

coal companies have always been cavalier...and still are its about $$ nothing else