Beer Keg and Fires Don't Mix

**CT209** · 10-26-06, 06:22 AM

Just when I thought I'd seen it all, this happens:

http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1018625

1 dead in blast at New Milford party

By Nanci G. Hutson and John Pirro

THE NEWS-TIMES

NEW MILFORD -- A 22-year-old local man was killed and seven others injured early Sunday morning in an explosion that erupted after a partygoer at a pig roast tossed a beer keg into a fire barrel.

Witnesses said the 3:13 a.m. explosion that killed Sean Caselli reverberated as far as a mile or more away from the Aspetuck Ridge Road festivities.

"It was an unbelievable explosion,'' said New Milford High School hockey coach and neighbor Robert Greco, a physician's assistant who rushed to the scene to offer assistance. "It rattled the street.''

Caselli, who lived with his family on North Valley Road about a mile away, died after being struck by a piece of flying metal in the neck, police said.

Police said the other victims suffered burns and shrapnel wounds that were not life-threatening. They were taken to New Milford and Danbury hospitals. Police would not release their identities.

The party, an annual barbecue and pig roast, was held by Matt Johnson, the operator of a local tree service and the son of former Board of Education chairwoman Alexandra Thomas and her husband, Terry, who own a wilderness camp. Neighbors said Johnson has held similar gatherings in the past, and none have caused a problem. The barbecue was held in a rural area behind the house.

I guess aerosal cans weren't good enough. They had to use something bigger.