LAWRENCE, Mass. — Friday marks one year since the Merrimack Valley gas explosions devastated the Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover communities.
Ceremonies are being held in the communities to mark the occasion and honor 18-year-old Leonel Rondon who was killed that day.
Community leaders joined the Rondon family at a greenway off Lawrence's Chestnut Street, which is now Leonel Rondon Square.
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, Governor Charlie Baker, Senator Ed Markey, and Rep. Lori Trahan all spoke at the ceremony.
Rondon's sister told Boston 25 News, "We feel just emptiness this sadness this pain that is killing us inside," said Lucianny Rondon.
MORE:
[ Businesses still dealing with impact of gas explosions 1 year later ]
[ Columbia Gas to inspect 700 abandoned gas lines ]
[ North Andover pair still can't move back home after Merrimack Valley explosions ]