EDWARDSVILLE — A former Roxana resident is suing Shell and BP, alleging she developed leukemia after toxic products leaked into her home.
Lynda Wheat filed a complaint May 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Shell Oil Company, Equilon Enterprises LLC, doing business as Shell Oil Products US, and BP Products North American Inc., alleging negligence and breach of duty.
The suit states Shell and BP manufactured, stored and transported benzene and other hydrocarbons at their refineries near Wheat's home in Roxana. The complaint states contamination occurred as a result of leaking pipes and storage tanks and equipment failures. Wheat claims the leaks occurred because the defendants willfully, wantonly and negligently failed to take appropriate measures to store and transport the oil and oil byproducts.
As a result, the plaintiff alleges volatile products penetrated her former home, causing contamination to take place in the indoor air and leading to Wheat contracting leukemia.
Wheat seeks a trial by jury, compensatory damages, plus costs of suit and all other just relief. She is represented by attorneys Ted N. Gianaris Jo Anna Pollack of Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 19-L-660