BELLEVILLE – A Sauget company and its insurer are seeking damages after an explosion at a neighboring facility allegedly caused $1 million in damages.
National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, as subrogee of Center Ethanol Co. LLC and Center Ethanol Co. LLC filed a complaint on Oct. 17 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Afton Chemical Corp. alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that as a result of a power outage due to an explosion at the defendant's facility, Center Ethanol suffered extensive systems and equipment damages in the amount of approximately $1,092,382.08. The suit states that National Union Fire Insurance is subrogated to third-party recovery rights of plaintiff Center Ethanol.
The plaintiffs allege the defendant negligently allowed dangerous chemicals to flow into the sewer system and failed to design and operate its facility in accordance with the recognized and generally accepted engineering practices.
The plaintiffs seek judgment against defendant in a fair and reasonable amount, plus interest, costs and any further relief that is just and proper.
They are represented by Joseph A. Bartholomew of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin in Belleville and Michael R. Marx of Denenberg Tuffley PLLC in Southfield, Mich.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-601