Eastway Tank Pump and Meter owner ‘completely devastated’ by explosion tragedy

The owner of Eastway Tank Pump and Meter Ltd. on Merivale Road is offering his condolences to the families affected by an explosion at the company's site on Merivale Road in Ottawa.

Neil Greene issued the following statement to CityNews Ottawa:

“It is with great sadness that we learned that one of our colleagues perished as a result of the tragic explosion, with five remaining missing and one in hospital.  My heart goes out to their families, loved ones and to all of our employees who are reeling from this deep loss. 

We remain in close contact with investigators, and we will cooperate with authorities on all ensuing investigations.  We want to get to the bottom of what happened. 

I am completely devastated. To the families of our lost colleague and to all our employees, please know that Eastway Tank will be there for you without fail in the weeks and months ahead.  My deepest condolences to all of you.”

Greene joins a chorus of voices across the city Friday, in grieving the loss of one Eastway employee and in hoping that the five who remain missing can be found.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected by yesterday's tragic incident.
We would like to echo the message communicated by the @OttFire Services & the @OttawaPolice Service: please do not hesitate to contact the Ottawa @DistressCentreO if you feel the need. https://t.co/k3gJUmtW6i

— Ottawa Paramedic Svc | Service paramédic d'Ottawa (@OttawaParamedic) January 14, 2022

No words can take away the stress and devastation as these people await news about their relatives and friends

My sincere thanks to our first responders for their tremendous efforts to save lives and contain the fire under very difficult conditions. 2/2

— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) January 14, 2022

Investigators continue to search for the cause of the explosion and fire, which happened around 1:30 p.m., Thursday.

The City of Ottawa has set up a family reunification centre for Eastway Tank employees and their families at the Woodvale Pentecostal Church on Greenbank Road.

Ottawa emergency responders urge anyone who is feeling the mental toll from this incident to call the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region.