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El Paso Natural Gas Company sued in Carlsbad explosion
(Carlsbad-AP) -- A group of firefighters and rescue workers who responded to a pipeline explosion near Carlsbad that killed 12 people three years ago have filed a lawsuit against El Paso Natural Gas Company. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages. It was filed Monday in Carlsbad on behalf of 24 firefighters and rescue workers. It contends gross misconduct by El Paso Natural Gas, which operated the pipeline, caused the explosion. El Paso Natural Gas Company officials were not available for comment on the lawsuit. The pipeline exploded early on the morning of August 19, 2000. The victims were camping on the banks of the Pecos River. Those killed were members of an extended family and included five children. The 46-page lawsuit says the plaintiffs suffered physical and emotional pain and were subjected to horrific traumatizing circumstances while fighting the fire and trying to help the victims. Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. |