New York Steam Pipe Explosion Triggers Lawsuits

It has been almost two weeks now since the July 18 explosion at 41^st Street and Lexington Avenue, an area that became known as The Frozen Zone. Gradually the streets surrounding the area were cleaned up and reopened. On July 23, it was reported that the slow and methodical clean up was difficult for those who lived in the area of the explosion. As a result of the explosion some businesses were forced to close. Televised news reported individual business losses reaching more than ten thousand dollars.

The first lawsuit vs. Con Edison was filed by a Long Island woman named Francine for Post Traumatic Stress according to a televised report. Con Edison was cited as having been negligent. Francine spoke about her ordeal. She said how she thought of 911 as she ran. She said that she can't return to work because she is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

Con Edison said an area business would be reimbursed for over $9,000 dollars worth of perishable food but not for damages or for economic losses. 139 businesses were severely impacted. The day of the explosion was a devastating day and tens of millions of dollars have been lost.

On July 26, televised reports by John Slattery on Channel 2 News stated that the damage was far beyond what had been expected. Three buildings were still closed. The area of the explosion could still not be accessed. Workmen worked on 12-hour shifts. The soil had to be shored up to make it safe to go down into the area of the explosion to prevent any chance of a cave in. Once the ruptured steam pipe was located it was to be removed and inspected. However, no one could go down there yet. It was not safe.

Dr. Hager, a celebrity and international cosmetic surgeon, was suing Con Edison for a $1 million. He had a practice at the same location for 30 years. Now, he could not return to his building and his business was suffering.

On July 28, CBS 2 News reported that Federal Disaster Aid is now available for those affected by the Con Edison Explosion. $1.5 billion are available for loans to larger businesses and smaller loans for small businesses.

The truck driver who ended up at the center of the explosion in a red tow truck was 21-year-old Greg McCullough. Greg has been in the hospital with 80% burns all over his body and was reported by his family to be in a medically induced coma.

A report on News Channel 4 in New York by John Noel on July 30 revealed that Greg was rescued by a young man named Julio Suarez, who said he will never forget the loud screaming and the smell of burning flesh. As he spoke on Monday on a televised report, he seemed to be still very upset and moved by what had happened.

Greg grabbed Julio's head and said "just promise me you're not going to let me die!" Greg's truck had flown at least 20 feet up into the air when the steam pipe exploded directly under him. Julio got Greg out of the truck and onto the sidewalk. When a paramedic finally came, Julio said, the paramedic handed him scissors and said that he had to help to cut Greg's clothes off. Greg's skin came off with his shirt and he screamed so loudly in pain, Julio said.

Greg's mother said in the report that she and her family were thankful that someone was there with Greg and that her son was not suffering by himself. She hugged and thanked Julio Suarez for being there and helping Greg who is hospitalized at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Greg's mother said there is no response, no laugh. She does believe however that Greg can hear her singing to him.

Greg as a youngster participated in the NYPD Explorers and the NYPD Cadet Program. He was more recently involved in Karate and is an expert.

Greg's parents plan to file a lawsuit against Con Edison as well as the City Of New York all of whom were responsible and neglectful which was the cause of this accidental explosion.