Berman Tabacco serves on the Executive Committee and Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in this consolidated class action lawsuit against Bay State Gas Company (doing business as) Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and NiSource, Inc. (collectively “Columbia Gas”) and certain Columbia Gas contractors, for their alleged failure to properly maintain natural gas pipelines servicing parts of the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts. As alleged, due to this failure, Andover, North Andover and Lawrence suffered a series of natural gas explosions on September 13, 2018, caused by a sudden spike in pressure within the gas pipelines, causing them to rupture and fill homes and businesses with large amounts of natural gas that ultimately ignited.
Berman Tabacco Partner Bryan A. Wood was personally impacted by the natural gas explosions, as he and his family were forced to evacuate his home after his home was affected by pressurized natural gas. “Columbia Gas’s negligence was traumatic for me and my family,” said Mr. Wood. “I am grateful that I am in a position to work with my friends and neighbors to hold these companies responsible.”
As reported, there were at least 60 explosions in the three cities affected by the disaster. One death and several injuries have been reported and 12 homes were fully destroyed. In addition, more than 8,000 people were forced to flee their homes because of the dangers posed by the ruptured gas lines. A local fire chief described the scene as “Armageddon.”
On September 25, 2019, Plaintiffs entered into a settlement with Columbia Gas which would a $143 million Settlement Fund which will be used to compensate people and business within the class who were impacted by the events of September 13, 2018.