January 8, 2023 - 130 years ago on Jan. 7 1892, Oklahoma experienced the third worst disaster in the country at the time.

The Oklahoma Historical Society is looking back on the mine explosion at the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11, in Krebs, Indian Territory.

A photo of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11 in Krebs, Indian Territory.

Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

A photo of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11 in Krebs, Indian Territory.

Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

A photo of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11 in Krebs, Indian Territory.

Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

A photo of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11 in Krebs, Indian Territory.

Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

The explosion was caused by what's called a windy shot, the OHS said, which is when a miner uses too much black powder or improperly tamped the charge.

This set off an explosion that quickly went through the entire mine, killing nearly 100 men and injuring another 200.

A photo of the Osage Coal and Mining Company's Mine No. 11 in Krebs, Indian Territory. (Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society)

The OHS said the tragic event led to the federal government establishing a mine inspector position in Indian Territory.

To learn more about the coal industry in Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society's website.