[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1964 MARSHALLS CREEK EXPLOSION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a significant 
milestone in the history of our region. June 26, 2023 marked the 59th 
anniversary of the Marshalls Creek Explosion in Middle Smithfield 
Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
  On June 26, 1964, the Marshalls Creek Fire Company responded to a 
tractor trailer fire on State Route 209. Shortly thereafter, the 
trailer exploded killing firefighters F. Earl Miller, Leonard Mosier 
and Edward Hines. Three passersby also died: John Regina, Joseph J. 
Horvath Jr., and Lillian Paesch. The explosion also injured 10 other 
people, caused damage to the Regina Hotel, Middle Smithfield Elementary 
School, and the Pocono Reptile Farm.
  After our community endured the chaos of the explosion, it was 
discovered that the tractor trailer had no identification placard 
reporting its explosive contents. During numerous Congressional 
hearings, the Marshalls Creek Explosion served as a catalyst for 
remarks concerning increased traffic safety measures and inspections. 
The concerns expressed ultimately became law with the enactment of the 
Transportation Safety Act of 1974 and further development of the 
Emergency Response Guidebook, which is widely used as a resource by 
Fire Responders across North America.
  Today, 59 years later, the Middle Smithfield Township community comes 
together to dedicate a historical marker at Regina Farms, across from 
where the explosion occurred. The business is owned by Ed Regina, 
brother of the late John Regina. This marker will help preserve a piece 
of history of the community and continue to educate future visitors of 
the site.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 59th 
anniversary of the 1964 Marshalls Creek Explosion to acknowledge the 
importance and impact that this event has had on the families of those 
killed in the explosion, Middle Smithfield Township, and traffic and 
transportation safety across the Nation.

                          ____________________