COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new lawsuit against Yenkin-Majestic Paint Corporation accuses the paint facility of negligence which resulted in a deadly explosion in northeast Columbus nearly two years ago.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Columbus woman who says her home suffered extensive damage from the explosion on April 8, 2021.
Roughly 40 workers were inside the Yenkin-Majestic Paint facility on Leonard Avenue when a large explosion erupted from the building, killing a 44-year-old man and injuring eight other people.
Investigators with the Columbus Division of Fire, Occupational Safety Health Administration, National Chemical Safety Board and Ohio EPA determined the explosion was caused by a chemical reaction after an agitator used to cool the products by mixing them stopped working.
Investigators found that as the chemicals mixed, they heated and pressurized the tank. As a result, a highly flammable gas filled the kettle room and caused the explosion.
The Columbus Division of Fire said there was no evidence of any criminal or intentional act and deemed the explosion accidental.
According to the lawsuit filed by the law firm Jeckering & Associates, the woman's home and detached garage suffered unusual cracking in the foundation, walls and ceilings. There is concern that the explosion may have caused internal stressors in the home and garage that could result in additional cracking.
The lawsuit claims the company was reckless in its handling of hazardous materials which resulted in the explosion.
The woman also claims that the recklessness highlights a trend of neglect of safety regulations that put the public at risk.
“Despite facing serious and willful safety violations, $709,960.00 in penalties, and being placed in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Defendants promises to listen to their neighbors, including Plaintiff, and to fix the damage they caused have gone unfulfilled,” the lawsuit claims.
The woman is seeking compensation for property damage, medical expenses and other damages resulting from the explosion.
10TV has reached out to Yenkin-Majestic for comment.