Remembering the Quecreek Mine Rescue 15 years later
![FILE: The ninth and final miner is removed from the Quecreek Mine, seen in this July 28, 2002, file photo, in Somerset, Pa.](https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/files/2017/07/AP_02072805825-620x493.jpg)
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, Pool
FILE: The ninth and final miner is removed from the Quecreek Mine, seen in this July 28, 2002, file photo, in Somerset, Pa. Puskar, Pool
This week marks the 15th anniversary of the Quecreek Mine Rescue. From July 24 through the 28, 2002, nine miners were trapped underground in a Somerset County coal mine.
All nine men survived the 77 hour ordeal.
On WITF’s Smart Talk Monday, former Governor Mark Schweiker and former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David Hess remember what it was like for those on the surface trying to bring the miners to safety.
Listen to the full interview here:
Hess recently authored a personal essay called, “Rock, Water, Air,” which tells the story of his efforts to manage the crisis.
A community celebration commemorating the rescue will be held Saturday, July 29th from 3 to 9:45pm at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site:140 Haupt Road, in Somerset.