The history of mining disasters in the UK is horrific. There is no other word to describe it. There are numerous sites dedicated to the memories of the men and boys killed in UK mines.
http://www.cmhrc.co.uk/site/disasters/index.html
http://www.dmm.org.uk/mindex.htm
http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/DisastersList.htm
http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/pits/disaster.htm#top
http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/Fatalities/Alan-Beales-Database.html
Scotland - Scottish Mining Website
http://www.scottishmining.co.uk/5.html
Welsh Coal Mines
http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/