ATCHISON, Kan. – A grain elevator explosion took the loved ones of six families one year ago Monday. On Sunday, the families and the Atchison community gathered to remember them.
More than 100 people marched onto the Atchison Riverfront, braving the cold, to honor six men.
“It has gone by so fast. There’s a lot that, you know, I wish my brother could be there. I got married. I have a son and I just really wish he could be there for those things, you know?” Baiiley Parker, the sister of one of the victim’s said.
The Bartlett Grain Elevator went up in smoke on Oct. 29, 2011, after an explosion. It killed John Burke, 24, Ryan Federinko, 21, Curtis Field, 21, Travis Keil, 34 Darrek Klahr,43, and Chad Roberts, 20.
Roberts’ sister wore a shirt in his name.
“It doesn’t seem real. Still, I know we’re out here doing stuff, but it’s just so surreal. It just seems like he is still working,” Parker said.
But Roberts, along with the other men aren’t. So while candles illuminate the faces in the crowd, and balloons are ready to send prayers above, the crowd listens closely to stories of the men. One is about heroism for Travis Keil’s daughter.
“They told me my dad jumped in front of another kid to save his life. My dad died on impact and the kid would’ve made it if it weren’t for the falling debris. Knowing that puts my heart at ease,” Justine Keil said.
Or the crowd listened to the story of Darrek Klahr’s wife. She spoke about how the last year has changed dramatically.
“I’ve lost my best friend. When I have some big news, I still think ‘I can’t wait to go home and tell Darrek.’ Now, I head to the cemetery to talk to Darrek.
But at the end of the chilly vigil, these strangers said they have become family through a tragic situation. Parker said if anything good comes out of this, she hopes it’s safety awareness.
“Even if you’re in your own home, you know? Even if you’re just picking up things, doing it right the first time,” she said.
Roberts, Federinko, Field and Burke’s families have filed a wrongful death suit against some Bartlett employees.
These suits were filed after Bartlett wrote a letter to the families, saying it plans on building a memorial for the men killed.
Bartlett was cited for willful and serious violations by the U.S. Labor Department in April. But the elevator has since rebuilt and reopened in Atchison.
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