PITTSBURGH — A family is suing Columbia Gas after it allegedly experienced psychological trauma and property damage when a gas line exploded in their Washington County neighborhood.
E.O., a minor by and through John Oest and Tiffany Oest, as the parents and natural guardians of E.O., and John Oest, individually in his own right and Tiffany Oest, individually in her own right filed a complaint July 11 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania alleging negligence.
The plaintiffs claim Columbia Gas updated the gas lines to the homes in their residential neighborhood in the North Franklin Township in Washington County as part of routine modernization in July 31, 2019. They allege that during the work, Columbia Gas failed to install a gas regulator to the line which created an explosion at the gas main in their neighborhood.
The plaintiffs claim as a result of the explosion, they experienced a "violent jolt" and suffered severe psychological injury including anxiety, nervousness and depression. They also claim their property had damage to the entrance doors, windows, aluminum siding, roof, gutter, drywall and ceiling which has caused them large repair costs and inconvenience. The plaintiffs allege Columbia Gas' negligence for failing to install the gas regulator, failing to comply with industry safety and operating standards and failing to evacuate homes within the "zone of danger of the gas leak."
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Peter Friday, Joshua Licata and Benjamin Kelly of Friday & Cox LLC in Pittsburgh.