Luisenthal mine disaster

[1] The Luisenthal Mine is located in Völklingen, a town in the state of Saarland, Germany.

Around 7:45 a.m., an explosion occurred in the Alsbach shaft of the mine at a depth of more than 600 meters, (more than 1,968 feet).

Among other things, it was speculated whether a miner had smoked illegally underground, because cigarettes were found during the clean-up work.

Near the now abandoned pit there is a memorial with a statue of St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners.

[8] A wall of 299 stones with continuous niches for placing memorial candles symbolizes the 299 victims of the accident.