Because coal is the main source of energy in the 19th century, the Charleroi area becomes the region of industries. The Bois du Cazier colliery is born in 1822 by the grace of Willem I, king of the Netherlands, who grants Lady Dowager Desmanet the first exploitation authorisation. In 1955, production is 170,557 tons for a total of 779 workers. On 8 August 1956 at the Bois du Cazier mine at Marcinelle a fire started which would claim the lives of 262 men, of which 136 were Italian and 95 Belgian. They were burnt to death or choked as a result of the smoke. The youngest victim was only 14 years of age. Only 13 mine workers were able to escape. Some survivors were recovered that day, and efforts continued until 23 August when rescue teams finally left the mine with the words ‘Tutti cadaveri’ – all dead.