CAMBRIA, WI - The community is grieving after two people died, and several were injured in an explosion in Cambria, Wisconsin Wednesday night.
“Days like today are tragic and horrific,” Barbara Behling said.
Behling is the chief communications officer for the American Red Cross Southeastern Wisconsin region. She and her crew arrived in Cambria early Thursday morning.
“It was very somber [as] people were waiting for news,” Behling said
“And as the sheriff shared with them information of their loved ones [people were] shocked,” she continued.
The deadly explosion at Didion Milling killed two people, injured several others, and one person is still missing. As the entire Cambria community grieves, dozens of people like Cathy Ramirez, a waitress at Two White Doves Family Restaurant, have stepped up to help those in need.
“We told everybody if there's anything we can do come on down we're open,” Ramirez said.
“Whatever it is we’re here, we’re here for you,” she continued.
For Ramirez, the explosion really hits home, not only was her son one of the first responders, but she said she knows people who work at the mill, including those who were there at the time of the blast.
“I felt it, I had just dozed off and it woke me up,” Ramirez said.
The sight of the flames and commotion surrounding the crew at the scene trying to rescue the 16 employees inside the facility is something Ramirez said she’ll never forget, and although a somber time for her village, she hopes those suffering find solace in the community coming together.
“It’s going to hit a lot of people, farmers, the town, companies, [and] workers,” Ramirez said.
“It’s going to take a long time to rebuild, but oh, believe me, we will. We’ve always done,” she continued.
