The Mount Kembla Coal Mine Disaster of 1902.
Mount Kembla village, located 100km south of Sydney, has always had a strong connection to the local coal mine that expands deep below this impressive mountain. Many of the mine workers and their families live in the village.
On the 31st of July, 1902, a massive explosion rocked the small village of Mount Kembla on the NSW south coast.
Men and women stopped what they were doing in the village and turned towards the mine. Children stopped playing and ran to find their parents.
An horrific explosion had ripped apart much of the mine, killing 96 men and boys who worked in the mine.
A large section of the mine's roof had collapsed, pushing air and methane gas into the main tunnel which stirred up coal dust on the ceiling and walls of the mine causing a catastrophic explosion.
This enormous loss of life had a devastating effect on the local community. Families were instantly torn apart and many of those left behind never recovered.
Ever since that horrendous day there have been reports of sightings of spirits of the miners in and around the village, wondering through the nearby cemetery at Windy Gully and at the old mine.
If spirits truly do visit their old homes and workplace the question should be asked, Why?
Are the soles of some of those men and boys killed in the disaster unable to move forward to the 'next life'? Are they unwilling to let go of their earthly life and as a result find themselves trapped in a type of limbo? Are there really spirits wondering the small village and surrounding green mountain forest?
Probably none of us will find the answer to these questions until we ourselves leave this life for the next.
Today you can visit Mount Kembla Village, have lunch at the historic pub or dinner at Ruby's restaurant, wonder the cemetery at Windy Gully where many of the victims of the mine disaster are buried or go for a bush walk on one of the hiking tracks in the area, including the Mount Kembla Summit Track which provides magnificent views of the Illawarra and the ocean beyond.
And in your wonderings who knows what you might discover or experience.
Read more stories of lost soles in Brett Wright's book, Encounters With The Spirit World.
Post Views : 654