Sept. 21, 1951 started as a beautiful day in the Town of Brighton. And yet, it turned into a day of horror for many residents, as well as one that is remembered to this day for the heroic actions of first responders.

On that date, a gas system malfunction led to the destruction of several homes in the area of 12 Corners.

The first explosion occurred around 1:20 p.m. at a home on Bonnie Brae Avenue. That was followed by several others. In all, 19 homes were destroyed, and 25 others burned in the disaster.

“The house would blow up,” explained Brighton Town Historian Mary Jo Lanphear, “and the collateral damage on either side would cause damage to the house on either side.”

With families and first responders alike not immediately understanding what was going on, Lanphear said the three-hour ordeal was terrifying, especially in light of events at the time.

“We were still doing duck-and-cover drills in school,” she said, “so there was that whole atmosphere to consider when you think about those explosions in 1951.”

“There was one neighbor who sent her children out to the front yard and told her kids to hold their hands around a huge tree in the front yard, because she felt they would be safe there,” she said.

Lanphear says the day’s fair weather may have helped save lives, as many people were outside their homes.

Still, three people died in the blasts, and 10 more were injured.

Brighton Fire Station #2 at 12 Corners served as the center of action during the incident. It was there on Tuesday where town leaders took time to reflect on the 1951 tragedy.

Town Supervisor Bill Moehle said the actions of first responders on that fateful day are reminders of the trials they so often go through on a daily basis.

“They didn’t know what happened. They knew that houses were blowing up,” he said. “And yet, they went in, began doing the work that was so important.”

Moehle delivered a proclamation Tuesday, recognizing the events from 70 years ago and the work of Brighton’s first responders.