Plant explosion victims remembered

Middletown, Conn. (WTNH/AP) - Tuesday marked the second anniversary of the Kleen Energy explosion in Middletown.
   
It was a Connecticut tragedy when an explosion occurred at the Kleen Energy Plant. Six people were killed and dozens were injured in the explosion.

The workers — Peter Chepulis, Ronald Crabb, Raymond Dobratz, Kenneth Haskell, Roy Rushton and Chris Walters — were killed Feb. 7, 2010. It was found that a welding torch touched off natural gas that had pooled at the ground at the construction site near the pipe outlets.

Workers were conducting what is known as a "gas blow" in which pipes are cleared of debris.

It was a blast felt for miles, but the impact of that day two years ago was far more reaching than that. It is a loss that continues to be felt.

"We are privledged to have known them, and call them our brothers," said Todd Berch, a Common Council member.

"Let us always remember our fallen brothers and continue to support one another," said Ed Reilly, the President of the Greater Hartford/New Britain Building Trades Council.

Tuesday morning at Middletown City Hall, a moment of silence was held in honor of those lost. A packed room went quiet, and union members who had friends working on that day denied requests to speak to the press. There was news victim's families were unaware of this event, and we were told they were not there. Others, however, shared their insights on what happened and has happened since that day.

"I think we've learned a lot about the proper way to conduct gas purging procedures," said Middletown Mayor Daniel Drew. "It's been a matter of interest for federal regulators. There has been some state legislation to come out of it."

"It was tough day, a little bit of disbelief," said Chris Cozi. "I think something we need all to remember."

The ceremony lasted only minutes, and the crowd quickly dispersed to get back to their respective jobs. It's been two years but it's clear from the solemn looks on the faces of those at the remembrance that there is still raw emotion about those no longer here.

"As tragic as it is, life does go on, and uh, that's where the community has come together," said Cozi.

Attorneys said in November that lawsuits by families of five of the six workers have been settled.

A memorial is being planned on the site.