Quecreek miners, rescuers reunite to commemorate 20th anniversary of historic event
Jul. 24—SOMERSET, Pa. — Twenty years ago, coal miner John Unger was trapped underground with eight colleagues when floodwaters blocked their way out of the Quecreek Mine near Somerset.
It was 77 hours later, after a fast-paced effort to drill a 240-foot-deep shaft from the surface to the spot where the miners were trapped, that all nine were successfully rescued from the flooded mine in what has been called a miracle.
Unger joined other miners, members of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the DEP, first responders, and former Gov. Mark Schweiker on Saturday at the site of the dramatic rescue at Dormel Farms in Lincoln Township to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
"It's always nice to come back and thank everybody for what they did for you," said Unger, 72, "just to be with some of the guys you were trapped with and the rescue workers."
Bill Arnold, owner of Dormel Farms and founder of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation, said the turnout was high.
"It's amazing to see all the people who have come to see the miracles that have taken place, to relive the memories," Arnold said.
John Gibson was part of the rescue in July 2002 as a member of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. He recalled in amazement the team coordination it took to save the miners.
"We knew, in the beginning, they were still alive," Gibson said. "So the command center decided that this is going to be a recovery and we're not stepping away from that. ... It was a miracle. So many things happened for reasons unknown."
Cathi Rhodes, of Greensburg, a Patsy Cline tribute artist, performs regularly for the miners.
"I'm still honored to be here," she said. "I've gotten to know all the miners and their families. This is so touching, heart-warming, gut-wrenching and educational."
