February 25, 2010

Injured workers file suit over Connecticut plant explosion

NEW HAVEN, Conn.

Two workers injured in a power plant explosion filed a lawsuit Feb. 22 alleging that proper safety procedures were not followed, and an attorney said that included live electricity running through the site, workers welding and a gas-fueled torch heater running when the blast happened.

The enormous blast ripped apart the nearly completed Kleen Energy Systems plant Feb. 7 in Middletown as workers for O&G Industries Inc. purged a natural gas line. Six workers were killed and 20 were injured.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Timothy Hilliker of Glastonbury and Harold Thoma of Bolton, electricians who suffered head injuries, loss of consciousness and severe pain, the suit alleges.

“Our investigation to date has revealed evidence of a substantial breakdown in safety procedures at the time in question,’’ said Paul T. Edwards, attorney for the injured workers.

The lawsuit filed in Hartford Superior Court says workers were not warned that the gas being purged could not be contained.

The lawsuit, which names O&G, Keystone Construction and Maintenance Services and Kleen Energy Systems, contends the companies failed to contain the natural gas being purged and negligently allowed it to escape, ignite and cause the explosion.

Associated Press

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