Somerset celebrates anniversary of Quecreek miners’ rescue

Fifteen years ago, the country was still in a state of shock from the fallout of 9/11, and with the first anniversary of that dark day looming, America was looking for a story to be happy about.

Thatstory came, from all places,out of a coal mine in SomersetCounty — not far from the Sept. 11, 2001, Shanksville crashsite of United Flight 93 —where nine miners become trappeddeep below the earth in theflooded Quecreek Mine late inthe evening of July 24, 2002. Formore than three days they werestuck below the earth, at riskof drowning, hypothermia, starvationand dehydration.

Holes were drilled in attempts to reach them, but several drill bits broke, hampering rescue efforts. A massive drill bit was sent up from West Virginia, and their 77-hour rescue was an unprecedented effort and success — all nine men were brought up alive early July 28. The rescue effort was televised worldwide.

At 2 p.m. Thursday, the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation will begin commemorations of the event with former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, who was on-site during much of the rescue efforts.

A community celebration Saturday will include free tours of the rescue site, a car cruise, live music and fireworks.

For more information, call 814-445-5090 or visit the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation, www.quecreekrescue.org/.