In June 1914, Alberta’s Hillcrest mine in Crowsnest Pass became the site of Canada’s deadliest coal-mining disaster. On what began as a routine spring shift, 235 men descended into the shafts—and only 46 emerged. The Devil’s Breath captures the human drama and scale of this pivotal event through meticulous research and vivid narrative.

Author Stephen Hanon traces the mine’s origins, profiles its operators and workforce, and investigates the technical and human factors that led to the catastrophe. Readers gain insight into early 20th-century coal-extraction methods, labor conditions on the eve of the Great War, and the disaster’s lasting impact on mining safety and local communities.

• Detailed historical analysis of Hillcrest Mine
• Profiles of miners, families, and officials
• Examination of coal-mining technology and safety measures
• Reflections on courage, loss, and legacy

Ideal for enthusiasts of Canadian history, industrial heritage, and true accounts of resilience, this compelling study brings to life one of Canada’s most significant industrial tragedies.

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