100 years ago...

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Roanoke Times, January 27, 1907

DYNAMITE TEARS NINE TO PIECES

Premature Explosion on Tidewater Hurls Workmen to Eternity

Mangled Bodies are Blown Into The River

Fearful Accident Yesterday Near Pearisburg While Foreign Laborers 
Were Eating Midday Meal and Thawing Explosive Before Open Fire - 
Names Not Obtainable.

Pearisburg, Va., Jan 26 - Special - A premature dynamite explosion 
occurred today on the Tidewater railroad, near Pearisburg, on the 
works of P.J. Millett, in which nine men, all foreigners, were killed 
in an instant.
   The mangled bodies were thrown nearly across New river, the 
remains lodging on an island in the stream.
   It seems that the men were eating their dinner on the grade, and 
were thawing out a portion of the explosive before an open fire.
   The explosion was terrific.