Massive explosion
CAI, Inc., manufactured solvents and ink at an industrial park in Danvers. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation and may never be determined, according to published reports.
What is known, however, is the human toll of the disaster. Incredibly, while no one was killed in the blast (ten people were treated at local hospitals for minor injuries), local properties suffered severe damage, including splintered glass, cracked chimneys, and structures knocked off their foundations.
Approximately 90 buildings were damaged within a half-mile radius of the explosion and as many as two dozen homes were destroyed beyond repair. Numerous families have been forced to seek lodging in local shelters and similar facilities while their homes are repaired or replaced.
Running and screaming
“Everything was crazy and hectic,” said Diane Sanborn, Will’s mother. “There were people running down the street and screaming. It was a night I’ll never forget.”
“I thought an airplane had hit our house,” said Lisa Crossley, mother of another student. “We didn’t know if it was a plane, a bomb, or something else. I was afraid that many people had died in the blast.”
While still deeply affected by the disaster four months later, Crossley said she was grateful that the accident had occurred at night and not during the day.
“The plant was a bus stop and kids used to play in the area,” she said. “Thank God the explosion was at 3 a.m. and not at 3 p.m.”
Brooksby takes action
While adults obviously suffered from the disaster, so did children. Their welfare was the impetus for Brooksby to organize the spring program.
“We kept hearing how local efforts were focused on helping the parents, so we decided to help the children,” says Gayle Hills, an executive assistant at Brooksby. “We wanted to do something for the kids during the holiday season, but a local service club ran an event for them at that time, so we came up with the idea of doing this.”
Hills contacted officials at the Riverside Elementary School and secured their support for the program. The students were picked up at school and taken to Brooksby, courtesy of the community’s transportation services. With help from a host of Brooksby community members and staff, Hills coordinated efforts for the big day.
The youngsters said they especially enjoyed personalizing painters caps, interviewing in the TV studio, and watching the movie Flushed Away.
But first, brothers John and Spencer Wade thrilled the assemblage with a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
“I’ve really enjoyed this,” said fourth-grader Alicia Deleidi. “I really liked going on television. I’ve never been interviewed on television before today.”
While some of the students’ families have already returned to their homes in Danvers, others must wait several months more until going back to their normal environs.
“When everyone is back in their home, we’re planning to have a big block party,” Lori Ataya says.
In the style and spirit of Brooksby.