Pittsburgh, Pa.—The United Steelworkers (USW) union expresses its deep sympathy to the families and co-workers of the employees killed and severely injured in the explosion and fire that occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 2 at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington.

The three operators killed in the blast and fire were Matthew C. Bowen, 31; Darrin J. Hoines, 43; and Daniel J. Aldridge, 50. Operators Kathryn Powell, 29, and Donna Van Dreumel, 36, died of their burns later at the hospital. All were USW members. Two employees, Matt Gumbel, 34, and Lew Janz, 41, were severely burned and are in critical condition at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Gumbel is an operator who is a USW member. Janz is a supervisor who had been a long-time member of the union.

“This is a very difficult time for the families, friends and co-workers of these employees as well as for the entire work force at the refinery. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them,” said USW International President Leo Gerard. “Kathryn Powell and Donna Van Dreumel were true Women of Steel.”... More