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To the Editor,
Just days after the Brown's Island explosion on Dec. 15, 1972, I wrote a letter to the editor that said, "That day began as so many days before." That statement still rings true. But the days after that were never quite the same.
Even though many of us knew that they were having some problems with the consistent flow of gas that was to feed the batteries, we never even thought that something so catastrophic could happen. The sound of the explosion, the vibration of the battery when it blew up and the sight of flames billowing out the North end of the battery made us realize just how bad this could be.
We had friends and fellow workers who we knew were working in that area. Each of us thought to ourselves, "What can I do?" Our superintendent and a few of the electricians were hurrying to turn off the electrical power that was feeding the area. Others from various crafts were running into the area of the explosion to see if their co-workers were safe.
The heroism of so many stood out that day. After head counts were taken at our work trailers, it became very clear just how bad the situation was.
My Steubenville Electrical Local No. 246 lost five good men: Howard Bray, James Brown, Edward "Dick" Arthurs, Kenny Gaines and Lou Sommers. In addition, there was Arthur McCord, who worked with us out of a Wheeling local. Thirteen other men not affiliated with Local 246 also lost their lives that day: Andy Guz, Samuel Morgart, Paul Byrne, Michael Crowley, Russell Ober, Michael Repko, Albert Tuttle, James Tuttle, John Toms, David Van Sickle, William Kliner, Kenneth Harris and Charles E. Bowers.
I had gotten to know some of these men while working on the job. What a tremendous loss to all those who knew them - family, friends, and working buddies. Even after 50 years, that one day stands out in my mind. Every day I thank the Lord for giving me one more day on this earth. Dec. 15, 1972, could have changed all that, as it has for so many.
To the families and friends of those lost, know that we continue to think of them.
Raymond Lash
Retired member of
IBEW Local 246
Deltona, Fla.