Imperial Sugar memorial service. (Photo: Orlando Montoya)
Saturday marked the first anniversary of one of the worst industrial disasters in Georgia history.
About 400 people gathered at the Imperial Sugar refinery near Savannah to remember the 14 workers who died in an explosion and fire there on February 7th, 2008. Company President John Sheptor dedicated a park remembering the victims.
Federal investigators blamed the explosion on an excessive buildup of combustible sugar dust, later issuing Imperial one of the largest health and safety fines in U.S. history. The company is still contesting those fines and a rash of lawsuits filed by victims."We are calling this ground Legacy Park," Sheptor told the audience, who heard gospel music and Bible readings during a 90 minute program."This plant and this company have much to remember. We have endured struggles, hardships, hard labors and tragedy."
Legacy Park is located in a shady corner of the hulking plant's property. It has a simple stone marker for each of the victims. Still to be finished is a statue depicting outstreached hands and doves. Saturday's ceremony included a release of 14 doves.
