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Rocked by tragedy, community connected
On Tuesday, one of our reporters witnessed the heart-wrenching grief of a young girl who had just learned her father had died in the explosion at Ghent.
Our reporters and photographers on the scene looked into the silent stunned faces of local residents grappling with the worst tragedy they had ever witnessed.
In the newsroom, we continue to grieve with families who lost loved ones. We do more than offer you our deepest condolences. We mourn with you.
Photographs and video footage of devastation and destruction have gripped us with an overwhelming flood of emotions.
For all of us, this has been more than a challenge to effectively cover a major news event. It has engaged us in a personal commitment to help our readers process information and find ways to reach out to all those so deeply affected by this. Life will never be the same for anyone who visited that particular Little General on that particular day.
Tuesday’s events will linger in the minds of every law enforcement officer, rescue worker and firefighter and every bystander and neighbor who was part of the bizarre drama that unfolded.
When a tragedy of this magnitude hits a small town here in southern West Virginia, its staggering impact reaches far beyond all regional boundaries. Small towns and communities are connected by strong ties.
Our hearts ache for the burn victims facing a long, painful recovery. Our prayers and thoughts will remain with everyone caught in the whirlwind of pain and suffering that will be felt for a long time to come.
The only hope we can offer those of you most deeply affected by this tragedy is that you are not alone. You are connected to a huge network of care, love, concern and support.
Your tragedy binds us all together in one big family. Family ties run deep in Appalachia. Your loss is our loss. Your grief is our grief.
Throughout the weeks and months ahead, people of all religious beliefs and denominations will join with a common goal to pray for your physical, emotional and financial recovery.
Community organizations will pull together offering all kinds of practical support.
Churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals will find ways to reach out to you.
We all pledge to you our deepest heartfelt sympathy, love and support. We will all get through this — together.
The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.V.
