Fire Department Sued over Fatal Explosion

Posted by: Curt Varone March 1, 2015 0

A fire department in West Virginia has been sued over a fatal natural gas explosion that claimed the life of a 13 year old girl.

Hanna Mozingo was killed in an explosion that destroyed her home in Brooke County on October 11, 2013. Three members of her family were also injured and ten homes in the area were damaged.

Prior to the explosion, the Hooverson Heights Volunteer Fire Department responded in the area for a reported smell of gas but cleared the scene prior to the 7:00 am blast. The department was not called directly to the Mozingo residence.

The suit was filed by the Mozingo family and seeks compensation for personal injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Besides the fire department, the suit names Mountaineer Gas. Co.; Normac LLC of Aurora, Illinois; Itron Inc. of Charleston, West Virginia; Actaris US Holdings Gas Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware; and Schlumberger Ltd. of New York City.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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