Respects were paid at the former colliery’s community garden, before attendees marched to the grave site where 72 of the victims were buried decades ago after their bodies had been recovered.
Two new benches were also unveiled as part of the morning’s commemorative events by relatives of the men who died on May 29, 1951.
Councillors and Easington MP, Grahame Morris, were in attendance, along with relatives of the deceased and members of the Durham Miners’ Association.
1. Unveiling
From left: Brian Jolly of Easington Heritage Group, Margaret McGann who lost her father, uncle and cousin in the disaster and Frederick Robson who lost his grand father who was the oldest victim, at an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Easington Mining Disaster on Saturday. Photo: Kevin Brady
2. Remembering the 83 victims
The service to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Easington Mining Disaster was held in Easington on Saturday, May 29. Photo: Kevin Brady
3. At the gravesides
Service at the graves of those killed at an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Easington Mining Disaster. Photo: Kevin Brady
4. 70th anniversary
People gather at the graves of those killed in the disaster. Photo: Kevin Brady