Community remembers those lost in Appin mine explosion

South32 hosted a special memorial to remember those impacted by the explosion that rocked not just the small town of Appin, but the whole of the Illawarra in 1972.

Family of a man who lost his life in the Appin Mine disaster at the memorial service on July 24.

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On July 24, 1979 a tragic underground explosion at Appin mine claimed the lives 14 men, and left 38 children without their fathers.

Forty years on in 2019, the events of that night still haunt the families of those who lost their lives.

On Wednesday, South32 hosted a special memorial to remember those impacted by the explosion that rocked not just the small town of Appin, but the whole of the Illawarra.

The explosion occurred about 3km underground just before midnight, after a rush of methane gas ignited and tore through the ventilation system.

Surviving coal miners read newspaper reports of the Appin coalmine disaster.

Ten of the miners were enjoying a break in the crib room when they were killed, while another four miners were found dead a few metres from the coal face.

Thirty-one survivors reached the surface, with some sustaining severe burns.

Paul Garrity’s father was killed in the blast, and on Wednesday morning, he recited a poem written about his loss.

“The moment that you had died my heart was torn in two, one side filled with heartache the other died with you,” he wrote.

“God bless all the 14 miners may they rest in peace.”

Steven Peck (middle left) the son of one of the mine disaster victims Peter Peck, holding original employee cards from 1979. Pic: supplied.

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal vice president operations Jason Economidis, said Wednesday’s event was an opportunity to remember the victims alongside many of the community members impacted by the tragedy.

“It’s important that we come together to commemorate our lost colleagues, friends and family

members,” he said.

In an ode to the miners who lost their lives and those who risked their lives to try and save them, a new memorial will be erected at the Appin sportsground next year.

“The final sculpture will be unveiled at next year’s anniversary event and will be positioned

close to the original memorial built by colleagues of the victims one year after the disaster,” Mr Economidis said.

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