On May 6, 1968, the Gauley Coal and Coke Company's Saxsewell No. 8 mine along Hominy Creek flooded when a continuous miner accidentally cut into an abandoned mine full of water. Eli E. Walkup, Renick F. McClung, Claude R. Dodd Jr., and William F. Burdette died at once. Fifteen men were saved on May 11, and rescue efforts continued until six more men were freed on May 16.