Industry
8
Construction of a nearby tunnel diverting the waters of the New River through Gauley Mountain for hydroelectric power resulted in the state's worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths among a mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000. A congressional hearing placed the toll at 476 for 1930-35. The tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as an occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers.
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Fayetteville, West Virginia · United States
