The 1958 Bump

October 23, 1958 - A big "bump" happened on this day, deep underground in the mining community of Springhill, Nova Scotia. The massive jolt caused a complete collapse inside one of the world's deepest coal mines.

Many miners were trapped 4000 feet below the surface. A heroic rescue effort ensued and 75 survivors were brought to the surface within the first 24 hours. After almost six days of furious digging, rescuers made contact with a group of one dozen trapped miners. They were stuck behind a rockpile that was 160-feet thick. It would take another day to reach them.

In the end, 100 men would survive the collapse while 74 died.

Folk singers Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl wrote a ballad about the disaster that has been covered by everyone from Peter, Paul and Mary to U2.