Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 19, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
The Wilberg Mine fire in Utah’s Emery County occurred on Dec. 19, 1984, resulting in the deaths of 27 miners. It was the worst mine disaster in the United States in a decade, and the pain has not left the Orangeville area.
Coverage of the incident was front and center during the Christmas season now 41 years ago this week.
“A stubborn fire kept 27 coal miners trapped thousands of feet inside a Utah Power & Light Co. mine seven miles north of Orangeville Thursday as federal mining inspectors sent a rescue team into the mine after them,” read the first report in the Deseret News on Dec. 20.
An investigation into the fire revealed that the agencies responsible for ensuring coal mine safety had failed in a number of ways.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the disastrous explosion and fire, the challenge mining families face, and how the wounds never heal:
“Scrapbook of the 20th Century: Dec. 20, 1984: The Wilberg Mine explosion”
“Wilberg: Morning comes to Emery”
“Pain, anger linger from Wilberg”
“Utah mining disaster dredges up memories of Wilberg fire”
“Dangered out: Lessons from Wilberg”
“Memories burn bright for 27 Wilberg victims”
“Wilberg mine survivor says he had proper training”
“‘84 Wilberg disaster looms over area”
“Did machine laxity cause ‘84 mine fire?”
“Utah’s coal mines: Dealing with danger”