Crosby Explosion

On June 1, 2005, many residents near Crosby, Texas were awoken with earth quake-like rumblings. Unsure of what was going on, the neighbors soon learned that the Louisiana Gas Development Corporation (LGDC), in their attempt to drill a natural gas well, had caused a blow-out of the Schmiddl-Brooks #1 well near Crosby Texas.

In a gas well blow out, natural gas as well as other products are allowed to escape through the well casing out into the air as opposed to their being captured and controlled by the driller. When that gas reaches a spark or some source of ignition, the accumulated gas combusts and creates a loud explosion, a hot fire, and tremors and shock waves that can be felt miles away.

Additionally, the fire forced natural gas, sand, grit and drilling fluids up into the air only to land on property miles away. These falling materials caused damage to finishes on vehicles and homes, caused losses of livestock and vegetable crops, and caused many to suffer respiratory complications as a result of the air contaminants. Many were forced to evacuate their homes for weeks, being made to live in cramped hotels, with little more than what they were able to escape with on the night of June 1.

Mestemaker and Straub filed a lawsuit against LGDC in November of 2005 in State District Court. This case was filed on behalf of about 240 Plaintiffs seeking monetary damages for the nuisance, trespassing and negligence of LGDC.

If you have questions about this matter or another legal issue, please do not hesitate to contact the lawyers at Mestemaker & Straub.