West Pharmaceutical Services Plant Explosion

On January 29, 2003, a massive explosion ripped through the West Pharmaceutical Services Plant in Kinston, North Carolina. Six people died of injuries sustained in the explosion and ensuing fire, and over thirty others allege resulting injuries. The explosion was investigated by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, which issued a report detailing its investigation. Multiple plaintiffs filed civil lawsuits against manufacturers of industrial equipment used in the facility, manufacturers of materials used by West Pharmaceuticals in the rubber-manufacturing processes, design engineers and building inspectors. Plaintiffs are claiming damages in excess of $100 million. We represented the manufacturer of a chemical that Plaintiffs allege was used in the rubber making process.