Cause of Eastway Tank explosion remains under investigation one year later
Posted Jan 13, 2023 03:00:00 PM.
It's been one year since the deadly explosion and fire at Eastway Tank Pump and Meter Ltd. on Merivale Road that tragically claimed the lives of six people.
Six people died as a result of the massive explosion on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
Rick Bastien, Kayla Ferguson, Russell McLellan, Danny Beale, Matt Kearney and Etienne Mabiala were killed.
Both Eastway Tank and Neil Greene, a director who was been identified as the company's owner, are facing three charges under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
“As the one year anniversary of the tragedy approaches, I remain heart broken over the loss of Rick, Danny, Kayla, Matt, Etienne and Russ,” a statement, signed by Greene, on the company's website said. “They were amazing people. I can’t imagine how difficult this anniversary is for their families. My sincere condolences. They remain in my daily thoughts and prayers.”
Sean McKenny, the president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council, told The Sam Laprade Show on Jan. 13 that the families of the victims, and the co-workers were on site or driving into work that day, will all be impacted forever by what transpired.
“It's just after the holidays, and for those families, it was very different for them,” he said. “Life is not going to be normal and it's going to be different for the rest of their lives.”
Listen to the full interview with Sean McKenny below:
