Five people have brought suit over an April 25 ammonia leak near Beach Park, Ill., that sent 37 to the hospital, including 11 firefighters and three police officers (GM May 3, p. 27; April 26, p. 1). According to the local press, the last of the seriously injured was released from the hospital on May 5.
A tractor was reported to be pulling two ammonia tanks from a retail location in Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., to an Illinois farm some 40 miles north of downtown Chicago when the leak occurred. The defendants were identified as Wisconsin-based John Kevek Farms Inc. and the tractor driver, Warren Reck. They could not be reached for comment.
“As a result of this toxic spill, each of our five plaintiffs, including first responders, were exposed to dangerously high levels of anhydrous ammonia and immediately began to feel the effects,” said attorney Antonio Romanucci, as quoted in the Daily Herald. “While they have all been treated, several are still suffering and in need of regular medical attention – especially as the long-term effects of the exposure are still in question.” His Chicago-based firm, Romanucci & Blandin LLC, announced on April 26 that it was retained by one of the plaintiffs.