West Park, Florida – Four months after a devastating explosion tore through a West Park community, residents are still grappling with the aftermath. Amid the chaos and destruction caused by the explosion in December, neighbors are now taking legal action to hold those they believe are responsible accountable for the tragic event.
Since the explosion occurred, three separate lawsuits have been filed by neighbors. They allege that AmeriGas, the propane company that installed the tank outside the house that exploded, and the property owners are to blame for the damages sustained not only to their homes but also to their peace of mind.
One resident, Tangela Jordan, expressed her struggles living across the street from the site of the explosion. She described the ongoing stress and anxiety she faces daily, noting the physical and emotional toll the incident has taken on her and her family.
Attorney Cam Justice, representing several families impacted by the explosion, claims that AmeriGas had leased the propane tank to the previous owner of the house several years before the explosion. Despite changing ownership, the tank remained on the property, allegedly neglected and posing a serious safety hazard.
The legal battle surrounding the explosion has intensified, with the property owners denying any responsibility for the incident. They point to a contractor who was reportedly working near the tank in the days leading up to the explosion as a potential factor in the tragedy.
Following a fire investigation, it was revealed that witnesses had reported a gas odor in the area the day before the explosion, suggesting a possible gas leak that led to the catastrophic event. The City of West Park has since issued code violations to the property owners, further complicating the situation for the affected neighbors.
As residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the explosion, they are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The emotional and financial toll of the incident has been substantial, with many facing uncertain futures and challenging circumstances as they seek justice and closure in the wake of the tragedy.