May 3 1887 Mine Explosion

May 3 marked the 136th anniversary of the explosion at the Number 1 Esplanade Mine in Nanaimo in 1887.  The explosion was a tragic event that claimed the lives of 150 coal miners, and remains the worst mining disaster in the history of British Columbia and the second largest industrial accident in Canada’s history.  The event is commemorated by a small memorial near the corner of Milton and Esplanade Streets, erected by the South End Community Association, and recently refurbished with support from the Nanaimo Historical Society. Read more here.