Lemont, Illinois – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a 25-year-old worker who lost his life in an explosion and fire at Seneca Petroleum’s refinery last year. The incident also resulted in injuries to another worker. The lawsuit, filed by Clifford Law Offices in Chicago, names Seneca Petroleum, PDV Midwest Refining, and Citgo Petroleum Corporation as defendants.
The victim, Dru Worker of Homewood, tragically died on April 25 in the incident at the refinery located in unincorporated Lemont. The lawsuit alleges that there was a blockage or plug in the piping and equipment system at the facility, which prevented the transfer of liquid petroleum products. According to the lawsuit, the companies listed injected pressurized air into the system to remove the blockage, violating industry safety standards and creating a safety risk.
As a result of this action, a storage tank reportedly became overpressurized, caught fire, and ultimately exploded. The blast caused the death of Worker and injured Roberto Betancourt, the other worker involved in the incident. The lawsuit claims that the explosion and fire were a direct result of the companies’ actions, which allegedly disregarded safety protocols.
Seneca Petroleum, PDV Midwest Refining, and Citgo Petroleum Corporation have been named as defendants in the lawsuit. However, Seneca Petroleum has yet to respond to the allegations. Efforts to reach Citgo Petroleum Corporation through their website and phone have been unsuccessful.
The administrators of Worker’s estate, his mother and father, Dianalynn and Dale Worker, have taken legal action against the companies involved. The lawsuit seeks justice for the tragic loss of their son and holds the defendants accountable for their alleged negligence.
Alongside the legal proceedings, the incident at the Seneca Petroleum refinery remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire, as well as to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from workplace accidents. It highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to protect the lives and well-being of workers. The legal outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the petroleum industry, emphasizing the need for responsible practices and comprehensive safety measures in all refineries and industrial facilities.