A few people have asked if it is dangerous to visit Centralia PA. In short, not really. Though, you do have to be careful.
The main danger to visitors exploring the borough is subsidence. Subsidence occurs when the ground gives way to form a sink hole or other change in elevation The mine fire under Centralia Pennsylvania has increased the risk of sudden, unexpected subsidence.
Over the years, the fire has burned away timbers and other bracing within the abandoned coal mine tunnels under the town. This has destabilized them and created the potential for mine collapse.
The hot gases from the fire have also played a role in weakening the ground. The most famous example of this occurred on Valentine’s Day in 1981 when Todd Domboski nearly died after he fell into a sink hole near his home.
It was later determined that Domboski had fallen into an old mine shaft that was filled in years before. Steam and gases from the mine fire had soften the fill and made it unstable to walk on.
Additionally, the gases from the Centralia PA mine fire can be dangerous if breathed in. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane can all asphyxiate a person. Gases from the mine fire were one of the reasons many people chose to relocate from the town in the 1980s.
Thankfully, as the fire has moved over the years, Centralia Pennsylvania appears to have become less dangerous. Today, there are fewer places where gases can be found venting. Also, the most unstable ground with the borough collapsed years ago.
There used to be signs around town warning visitors danger. These were put up by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide legal protection in case of an accident. After taking the borough by eminent domain in 1992, the state wanted to ensure it was not liable for anyone getting hurt.
If you plan on visiting, Centralia PA use your best judgement when exploring. Stick to walking on roads and paths. Keep a safe distance from any areas with venting steam or gases. Most of all, if the ground feels soft or unstable, get out of there. The mine fire is still burning and there is still a real risk of ground subsidence.
My grandparents and father are from Centralia. My daughter would like to visit. I don’t think anything would happen but I am not sure that it is worth the risk. I visited when I was younger, back in the early 80s I guess. It was really sad. My grandparents were very poor when they lived there. My grandfather worked in the mines. It wasn’t a place that held good memories for them. I’m not sure allowing my daughter to visit with her friends(all good kids) is a good idea. Yes, her family history can be traced there but I don’t think that she will appreciate the tragedy of it all.
Hello, I am doing a project on Centralia and were wondering if interviewing you would be something you would be interested. My email is alexmarbach5@gmail.com so if you are interested or have any info it would be great if you contacted.
it isn’t that dangerous. I go there somewhat often but the tragedy is quite sad…
whats the best way to enter Centralia
Just like to say the land down the road will be worth more then you will ever imagine. Someday you will have a Diamond mine. If I was the original owners of land I would demand to have rights to minerals, gases, oil, diamonds And anything that’s under your land. You do have that right and should have been given that right when land was takin from them. Pennsylvania Is Setting On a money making in the near future!
She might not but maybe she is Just interested in looking but really to be safe I would really only consider the very edges of it. And car A good 10 15 feet away from where signs were or warning areas. And if she j
Has A balance they could use A helicopter for to grab onto. But then there is the smoke. But the ground giving in wit out any sign of weakness.
This is the coolest story I’ve ever read! I only live three hours away! I’m going to find this place!
What is the best way to enter Centralia? I know most of the major highways are closed or rerouted.
I love the movie silent hill is it still creepy these days from Kathleen
Dude said diamonds in the near future… Better guess again, unless you think 10,000 + years is “the near future”
Diamonds???? We don’t live that long fam😂