Secured $143 million settlement for victims of Merrimack Valley gas explosions and fires
Plaintiff(s):
Residents and businesses of the Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts
Case type / claims:
Environmental and mass tort litigation arising from a series of catastrophic explosions and fires in September 2018 caused by over-pressurization of Columbia Gas’s natural gas pipelines in the Merrimack Valley. The gas explosions and fires impacted as many as 80 homes and businesses, affected thousands of families, injured dozens of people, and killed one man.
Defendant(s):
Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and NiSource, Inc.
Jurisdiction:
Essex County Superior Court, Massachusetts
Year:
2019
Outcome:
- Settled for $143 million to compensate affected residents and businesses.
- Settlement funds provided restitution for property loss, personal injury and economic damage.
