Cemetery Still In Shambles After Propane Blast
Posted August 19, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s a devastating sight for families already dealing with a tragedy: a cemetery in shambles, headstones ripped from the ground by the force of a massive propane blast.
Mount Sinai is closed to the public as employees work frantically to repair the monuments to loved ones long gone.
“This poor family lost three monuments, all in a row here,” laments Phil Grenfell of Mt Sinai.
“We’re doing about 1,600 calls a day,” he continues, from relatives worried about their family members.
“These things [weigh] probably about 2,000 pounds,” Grenfell describes, pointing to the heavy grave markers. And they were tossed about like confetti.
“You have a section [of one stone] there, another section here, and there’s another section smaller pieces over here,” he says.
Some of the debris from the Sunrise Propane explosion scraped huge mounds of dirt from the ground, taking headstones with it.
Funerals can still take place, but because of fire regulations, only a few family members are allowed in.
“I don’t think the families realize that it tears me apart as much as it tears them apart. I’ve been doing cemetery work 32 years. First day when I was able to get back on-site, it was like my heart was in my throat,” Grenfell sadly explains.
Sunrise Propane released a statement Tuesday. It reads:
“Since the events of Sunday August 10th, Sunrise Propane has expressed its profound regret for the tragic loss of life which occurred and for the events and turmoil that has resulted from that day.
“Currently, there are numerous investigations into the incident and Sunrise is cooperating fully with the authorities. However, out of an abundance of caution and a desire for the investigatory process to unfold free of speculation and misinformation, we will not be making any further public comments at this time.
“We remain committed to cooperating with investigators, and encourage all concerned to assume an equally prudent position, and refrain from a rush to judgment.
“We appreciate that this has been a difficult period for all affected and while we understand the public’s desire for immediate answers, we believe that only in the fullness of time will the answers be found.”
That doesn’t sit well with Pina Gabrielli, who lives in the area.
“They’re trying to cover their own tracks and they’re leaving us out to dry,” she claims.
Sunrise Propane Issues Statement As David Miller Returns To Face Heat From Angry Residents
