Settlement reached in toxic gas release |
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Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:21
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - A judge approved a settlement Monday to pay thousands of dollars to hundreds of people injured in a train derailment that released a toxic cloud over the town of Graniteville.U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour gave approval to a preliminary settlement reached by railroad owner Norfolk Southern and plaintiffs' attorneys.Early on Jan. 6, 2005, a Norfolk Southern train veered off the main track onto a spur, rear-ending a parked train whose crew failed to switch the tracks back to the main rail.The wreck ruptured a car carrying chlorine and released a poisonous cloud over the tiny mill town, killing nine people and injuring 250. Some 5,400 people were evacuated.Under the settlement, those who sought medical attention within three months of the derailment would receive anywhere from $10,000 up to several hundred thousand dollars.Lawyers for both sides expect about 760 residents, mill workers and first responders to qualify to receive money under the class action suit. Attorneys don't know how much money will be paid in total.The Norfolk, Va.-based company has already paid roughly $41 million in claims and expenses to about 3,700 people, spokesman Robin Chapman said.Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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