Original Associated Press wire photo showing an aerial view of Old Ben Coal Mine No. 8 near West Frankfort, Illinois, shortly after the devastating underground mine explosion of July 24, 1947. Crowds gather around the central mine shaft as rescue efforts begin following the blast that trapped miners below ground. The original AP caption is printed directly on the photograph, and the reverse bears an Associated Press stamp. Measures approximately 8⅜ × 6½ inches. This photograph came from the archive of a Pittsburgh area newspaper. Please see photos.
