Solemn services mark anniversary of tragedy
GRANITEVILLE — Teary-eyed but determined, hundreds of Aiken County residents gathered Friday to remember the worst disaster in this small community’s history, a train wreck that killed nine people and sent thousands fleeing for their lives.
Many said Graniteville has grown stronger and closer since the Jan. 6, 2005, Norfolk Southern wreck poisoned the air with chlorine from a leaking tank car.
“Our little town has proven to be resilient,” the Rev. James Abraham said. “I’ve seen change in our community. Our community is more caring.”
Friday’s first anniversary events included a pre-dawn candlelight vigil at the spot of the wreck and a community gathering later at USC Aiken to praise rescue workers for their efforts.
Dozens of emergency workers and politicians, including U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., and state Treasurer Grady Patterson, visited Graniteville for the later event. All said rescue and recovery efforts were outstanding; about 96 agencies had helped.
Abraham, who led people in prayer during both services, unveiled a song to commemorate the disaster.
“Down at the Railroad Tracks” tells the story of the town’s struggle with the accident and its faith in God. A recording filled the air of Graniteville for hours Friday morning, blaring from speakers atop the First Baptist Church. Abraham and other vocalists performed the song for the first time during the USC Aiken service.
Tears dripped down the cheek of Kathy McGowan as she listened.
Rusty Rushton, her ex-husband and the father of their two sons, died in the chlorine leak. Though the couple’s relationship had soured, McGowan said her teen sons practically worshipped their father, who enjoyed coaching them in football youth leagues and taking them to the mountains.
“Our oldest son is taking it extra hard,” she said. “It’s just better that he wasn’t here today.”
Sara Kennebeck, of Atlanta, said Friday was difficult for her, but she is glad community leaders organized the services. Kennebeck’s son, John Henry Laird Jr., died in the chlorine leak.
“I was hoping this would be a real good healing day, and it has been to some extent — to know that the community won’t forget them,” the former Aiken County resident said. “That’s the main reason we’re out here, so people won’t forget them.”
Last year’s wreck occurred when a rapidly moving freight train ran off the main track and onto an industrial spur at Avondale Mills, smashing into a parked locomotive. Chlorine spilled from a ruptured tank car, sending a toxic fog over the town. Chlorine inhalation killed all nine people, including the moving train’s engineer. Hundreds of others were injured; some still have problems breathing.
The National Transportation Safety Board blamed the crew of the parked train for the wreck because they failed to reset the switch to prevent a diversion onto the industrial line. It was the nation’s deadliest train wreck and chemical spill since 1978.
Norfolk Southern spokesman Robin Chapman told the crowd at USC Aiken that his company’s “heart goes out to the victims and their families.”
Few Graniteville residents expressed anger at Norfolk Southern about the wreck Friday, saying they were simply sorry the accident occurred — particularly for the families of the victims.
“It was kind of sad. But it made you remember more about the reason people died,” Elease Mathis said after the candle service.
Many said Graniteville has grown stronger and closer since the Jan. 6, 2005, Norfolk Southern wreck poisoned the air with chlorine from a leaking tank car.
“Our little town has proven to be resilient,” the Rev. James Abraham said. “I’ve seen change in our community. Our community is more caring.”
Friday’s first anniversary events included a pre-dawn candlelight vigil at the spot of the wreck and a community gathering later at USC Aiken to praise rescue workers for their efforts.
Dozens of emergency workers and politicians, including U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., and state Treasurer Grady Patterson, visited Graniteville for the later event. All said rescue and recovery efforts were outstanding; about 96 agencies had helped.
Abraham, who led people in prayer during both services, unveiled a song to commemorate the disaster.
“Down at the Railroad Tracks” tells the story of the town’s struggle with the accident and its faith in God. A recording filled the air of Graniteville for hours Friday morning, blaring from speakers atop the First Baptist Church. Abraham and other vocalists performed the song for the first time during the USC Aiken service.
Tears dripped down the cheek of Kathy McGowan as she listened.
Rusty Rushton, her ex-husband and the father of their two sons, died in the chlorine leak. Though the couple’s relationship had soured, McGowan said her teen sons practically worshipped their father, who enjoyed coaching them in football youth leagues and taking them to the mountains.
“Our oldest son is taking it extra hard,” she said. “It’s just better that he wasn’t here today.”
Sara Kennebeck, of Atlanta, said Friday was difficult for her, but she is glad community leaders organized the services. Kennebeck’s son, John Henry Laird Jr., died in the chlorine leak.
“I was hoping this would be a real good healing day, and it has been to some extent — to know that the community won’t forget them,” the former Aiken County resident said. “That’s the main reason we’re out here, so people won’t forget them.”
Last year’s wreck occurred when a rapidly moving freight train ran off the main track and onto an industrial spur at Avondale Mills, smashing into a parked locomotive. Chlorine spilled from a ruptured tank car, sending a toxic fog over the town. Chlorine inhalation killed all nine people, including the moving train’s engineer. Hundreds of others were injured; some still have problems breathing.
The National Transportation Safety Board blamed the crew of the parked train for the wreck because they failed to reset the switch to prevent a diversion onto the industrial line. It was the nation’s deadliest train wreck and chemical spill since 1978.
Norfolk Southern spokesman Robin Chapman told the crowd at USC Aiken that his company’s “heart goes out to the victims and their families.”
Few Graniteville residents expressed anger at Norfolk Southern about the wreck Friday, saying they were simply sorry the accident occurred — particularly for the families of the victims.
“It was kind of sad. But it made you remember more about the reason people died,” Elease Mathis said after the candle service.
posted by SCGOP at 8:28 AM
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