On this date 31 years ago, the River Restaurant located at 268 Main Street in Derby, exploded killing six people. The force of the explosion blew the front of the building across Main Street. The structured ended up collapsing on itself and erupting into flames. A natural gas line deemed to be the culprit of the explosion. Six people were killed and twelve people injured including a pedestrian and firefighter. Members of the Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Co.1 responded mutual aid to assist the Derby Fire Department at this incident. It remains one of the valley’s deadliest events.

– Past Captain Plavcan