SIPESVILLE —
Nine Somerset County coal miners were thrust into history in July 2002 when they became trapped after 150 million gallons of water flooded the mine shaft at Quecreek.
They spent 77 hours in darkness, 240 feet underground, cold and hungry.
The dramatic rescue unfolded on televisions and in newspapers around the globe as each man rose to the surface in a metal cage. Saturday was the ninth anniversary of the Quecreek Mine rescue.
About 200 visitors toured the rescue site at Dormel Farm near Sipesville, where a museum pays tribute to the miners, rescuers and the history of coal mining.
“A little museum like this is a tribute to the industry,” said Mike D’Amico of Ohio.
He examined the narrow, 9-foot-tall yellow rescue capsule.
“I can’t imagine fitting someone in there,” he said. “That’s the most amazing thing to me.”
The Quecreek Mine Rescue Memorial – Monument for Life – is a work in progress.
William and Lori Arnold, owners of Dormel Farm, hope to have the $1 million education and visitors center completed in time for the 10th anniversary of the mine rescue.
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