50 to 60 million gallons of water flooded the mine when a wall to a mine, last worked in the 1950s, was broken through.
A 6-inch hole, drilled by rescuers, pumped air from the surface, maintaining an air pocket and pressurizing the chamber as water was being pumped out.
The miners are removed one-by-one in a 22-inch wide cage through a drilled 24-inch hole.
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March 6, 2009 – Eight of the nine miners settle a lawsuit with mine operator PBS Coals.
April 21, 2011 – An administrative judge upholds the ruling that PBS Coals should pay a $55,000 penalty for “gross negligence” in the 2002 accident.
July 23-28 2013 – Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation commemorates the 10th anniversary of the rescue with a six-day celebration at the Dormel Farms owned by Bill and Lori Arnold, where the rescue took place. Festivities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Boy Scout flag presentation and speeches by state politicians.
