#11: Boston Observer, October 13, 2007
Few answers for survivors of Datchet explosion
DATCHET- Questions still surround an explosion that killed 9 people and leveled the Oak Circle neighborhood on August 24.
What was originally believed to be a gas explosion has been ruled out as the cause of the disaster by the Datchet Fire Department. According to Bay State Energy, gas lines do not run to or from Oak Circle.
Datchet Police Detective, Patricia Todd, told the Boston Observer that they are expanding their investigation. “This is an unusual case,” said Todd. “The amount of damage to the neighborhood certainly raises some red flags.”
The Datchet Police and Fire Departments are working with the Massachusetts State Police and the FBI to try and pin down the source of the explosion. Officials have not stated if foul-play was involved.
Among the victims of this disaster were Christopher Amaral; 40, Melissa Amaral, 40; Claire Benoit, 40; Henry Fish, 31; Norma Hayward, 71; Naveen Shankar, 37; Sally Shankar, 28; and Bernard Starling, 32. An unidentified girl was also killed.
The four juveniles found near a tree in the wreckage were treated for minor injuries and were released to family members. Requests for comments have not been returned at this time.
