SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — Four years after the dramatic rescue of nine men trapped deep inside a western Pennsylvania coal mine, the 78-hour saga was commemorated Saturday with the dedication of a historical marker.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation unveiled the marker at the site where the miners were pulled to the surface through emergency shafts after being trapped 240 feet underground in a partially flooded mine.
One of the rescued miners, Dennis Hall, 52, of Johnstown, said the marker is a testament to the rescuers.
"I realize I was part of it, but I commemorate the rescue workers," Hall said in a telephone interview. "I've always felt over the last four years if it wasn't for the rescue workers, I wouldn't be here."