VIDEO: Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of an explosion that changed Lenoir County forever. In 2003, a blast at a manufacturing facility killed six people and hurt 30 others.
WITN talked with first responders and survivors as they look back at a day that will stay with them forever.
“I didn’t hear [anything]. Everything turned white, and that was it,” said Jim Edwards, who was working the day of the explosion.
January 29th, 2003 is not an easy day for him to remember. It’s the day he lost his eyesight - the day six co-workers were killed and nearly 40 hurt in a massive explosion at West Pharmaceutical.
Edwards remembers waving for rescuers to help him. We’ve caught up with him over the years to check on his progress.
“I was burnt, 63 percent of my body. I hurt every day for about six months,” he explained.