May 2001 not only marked the first year anniversary of Ladi Vi's,

but it also contained one of the most explosive storylines the

rpg had ever seen.

After months of plotting, Stefano's plans were begining to unravel,

leaving him with one last deadly resort. DiMera ordered Bart

and Rolf to plant several explosives within Tuscany's where

a huge celebration was planned by Maggie Horton.

His evil intentions were to wipe out any and all who

could possibly cause a problem for him or his family.

To ensure each of his enemies were eliminated,

Stefano also had bombs planted in several other locations across Salem, including the Brady Pub

and the hotel where the Reiber's were staying.

 

Unaware of the danger they would soon be facing,

almost all in Salem arrived at Tuscany's for the huge occasion.

Even a few characters from the past made their return,

such as Nicholas Alamain and Shane Donovan.

During the course of the evening,

Laura Horton announced her return to Salem,

Sami rejected Brandon in favor of Austin,

Maggie became drunk,

Barb and Glen kidnapped J.T. during a blackout,

and con-artist Sasha Roberts made a few more enemies.

 

Meanwhile Abe Carver had discovered Stefano's involvement in Marlo's death and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Abe and half of the police force were soon on their way

to Tuscany's.

 

As the celebration gre later, Stefano ensured Lexie had safely evacuated the premisis before carrying out his plan.

All was set when John decided to confront his nemisis.

The two engaged in a physical confrontation, leaving

Stefano more than prepared to finalize his plan.

He headed to the cellar to activate the explosive device,

leaving him with just enough time to escape when suddenly Abe announced through a megaphone that the building was surrounded and Stefano was ordered to surrender at once. 

With his time was running out, Stefano was about to set the bomb for detonation however The Midnight Raven interefered with his plans by stabbing him in the back and leaving him for dead. The Raven then set the explosive to detonate in a short 15 seconds before disappearing into the night.

When Claude Van Zandt discovered the bomb,

he raced to warn the others, but it was too late.

A loud blast was heard  as the side of the restaurant was blown apart. Several more blast followed, leaving several trapped inside.

At the Brady Pub, Carly was about to reveal important imformation she had recalled regarding Lawrence's whereabouts when yet another blast went off.

And across town, Barb Reiber was prepared to leave

town with Glen and J.T. however when she went to retrieve

some belongings from her hotel room, she found herself caught in another of Stefano's traps.

 

IN the aftermath of the event,

Hattie Adams was left in a coma for 6 months,

Claude Van Zandt was presumed dead, as was

Stefano DiMera, Carly Manning was left in a coma,

several guests were left severely injured,

and Sasha Roberts was found dead from a bullet wound to the head.