Scotia Mine Disaster. One of the worst mine disasters in U.S. history. Faulty equipment ignited methane & coal dust due to lack of proper ventilation. On Mar. 9 & 11, 1976, twin explosions took the lives of 26 coal miners and federal mine inspectors in the Scotia mines located nearby. This led to the passage of the Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977. (Reverse) In honor of those who lost their lives: R.M. Sammons, K. Kiser, G. Tussey, D. Gibbs, J. Williams, T.R. Scott, E.S. Combs, R. McKnight, D. Widner, E. Galloway, K. Turner, W. Turner, L.D. McKnight, G. Barker, D. Boggs, J. Hackworth, V. Coots, J. Sturgill, C. Polly, R. Griffith, M. Sturgill, D. Creech, L. Peavy, J.W. Sturgill, I.G. Sparkman, and J.B. Holbrook.