Hi Ridgerunner,

Interesting - I'm originally from Monessen, PA - which is just outside of Pittsburgh, in Westmoreland County. So is my entire family.

I don't know if the accident caused PTSD amongst the whole town of Derry but I do know this: most of Westmoreland County is poor and addicted to heroin, my father included. I would take into serious consideration how the once affluent towns surrounding Pittsburgh when the steel mills were opened turned into piles of dirt and dust when the steel industry moved out of the area.

I have noticed, just as you have in Derry, an over-reaction to stimuli and what I like to call "a black hole in the earth" whenever I refer to Monessen. It is depressing and I've never seen anything like it. It's as if a nuclear bomb exploded over the entire county. Have you also noticed that few ever leave, even as bad as it? It's like an abusive relationship.

Anyway, I never knew about that story - it's interesting. BTW - I DO have PTSD, but not from living in Westmoreland County.

Good luck.

Best,
Rachel