Escape Velocity 2018

A coal mining town of approximately 1,500 residents in upstate Pennsylvania is overcome by a massive underground mine fire which began in May of 1962. After many failed attempts by the government to put out the fire, it grew larger and moved beneath most of the town.

By 1982, the first of many residents were relocated voluntarily. Through the 80’s and into the 90’s the mine fire and gases from the fire grew worse, and a subsidence would occur on a regular basis. As a result, eminent domain was imposed, forcing the remaining residents out of their homes. However, as the new millennium approached, a group of residents filed a lawsuit and fought the state of Pennsylvania for the right to stay in their homes. By 2013, the case was settled and granted those remaining residents life estates.

As of 2017, five homes, three families, one municipal building, and one business remains in the borough. As the years go on and as the families pass on, the state of Pennsylvania will tear down the remaining homes, leaving one day nothing but vacant lots and sidewalks filled with trees and weeds.