Scranton, PA — A substantial fire that broke out at a downtown Scranton building in May last year continues to reverberate through the community, as an insurance company seeks to recover millions in damages. The blaze, which occurred at 115 Franklin Ave., not only effected that property but also caused extensive smoke damage to the nearby Penn Furniture store on Lackawanna Ave.
The incident, which took place on May 18, found dense smoke seeping through to Penn Furniture, which is located just across the alley from the fire’s origin. The smoke inflicted substantial damage to both the building and the store’s inventory, resulting in an estimated loss of over $3 million.
Following the event, Erie Insurance Exchange, which covers Penn Furniture, undertook the financial burden of the damages, paying out $3,142,830. In an attempt to recoup these costs, Erie has initiated a subrogation lawsuit in Lackawanna County Court. The suit targets contractors involved at the 115 Franklin Ave. site prior to the fire, who are believed to have contributed to its outbreak through negligence.
Specifically, the defendants named in the lawsuit are JTA Masonry LLC of Pittston and Endless Mountains Mobile Welding LLC of Thompson, along with other as-yet-unknown parties. The legal filings suggest that these companies were responsible for welding operations that inadvertently ignited combustible materials within the building. Allegations include failure to maintain adequate fire control measures and not effectively extinguishing the fire once it began.
This building, previously hosting Pasqualichio Brothers’ meat distribution and owned by developer John Basalyga as of 2021, was undergoing renovations aimed at repurposing the structure into residential apartments while expanding office space for a law firm tenant. Basalyga, who is not a defendant in the lawsuit, expressed regret over the incident, noting that the efforts were meant to improve the office conditions for the tenant lawyers.
The lawsuit details multiple counts of negligence, addressing each defendant for their role in the unsafe handling of the construction and renovation materials, as well as a specific count of negligent hiring against JTA Masonry. The fire not only damaged the immediate and adjacent buildings but triggered a demolition of the affected section, while parts of the building fronting Franklin and Mifflin avenues were preserved and remain slated for future redevelopment plans.
As the case unfolds, representatives for JTA Masonry and Endless Mountains Mobile Welding have yet to respond publicly to the allegations. The lawsuit serves as a pivotal moment to address construction and safety standards in building renovations, particularly in densely built areas like downtown Scranton.
Meanwhile, the community looks on as the legal proceedings aim to bring resolution to a costly and disruptive episode. The outcome may influence future safety protocols in construction and renovation projects throughout the region, bearing implications for contractors and property developers alike.
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