The Daily Dispatch: December 15, 1863., [Electronic resource]

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Coolpit explosion.

--An explosion occurred at the "Raccoon Pit," in Chesterfield county, on Thursday last, which resulted in the death of sixteen men and the fatal injury of three others. The accident was caused by the ignition of gas in the pit and was followed by a tremendous explosion, which shook the earth for miles around.--At the time of its occurrence there were seventy or eighty hands at work in the pit, all of whom, save nineteen, escaped serious injury. Much excitement prevailed in the neighborhood after the explosion and great anxiety was manifested to know who were injured. As soon as the shaft could be descended working parties were sent down, and discovered that Mr. Barham, the overseer, and fifteen negroes were dead, and three other negroes fatally injured. The balance were safe. Most of the slaves were owned by the Chesterfield Goal Mine Company. The injury to the works was comparatively small, and can be repaired in a short time.

Raccoon Pit is but a short distance from Clover Hill Pits and about nine miles from Petersburg. How the accident occurred no one can tell, as most of the parties in its immediate neighborhood were killed.