Local law firm looking to help Wheatley explosion victims

A local law firm is looking to help those affected by the explosion in Wheatley on Aug. 26 seek compensation for any damages they’ve experienced.  

The blast, which occurred on the corner of Erie Street North and Talbot Road East, caused several hospitalizations, 20 injuries and destroyed two buildings. This all took place less than two hours after a gas leak was reported. 

According to Harvey Strosberg of Strosberg Sasso Sutts LLP, “the municipality should have had a plan.” Strosberg, who is one of the lawyers on the case, pointed out that the town knew about potential leaks several months before the explosion and “set up a monitoring system” after it was first reported. 

Courtney Reid, one of many residents forced to evacuate that day believes Wheatley could have done more, “It’s almost like they didn’t take it seriously until it exploded.” In a community meeting on Sept. 25, Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire said that it could take up to six months to find the source of the leak.

Strosberg and his associate Sharon Strosberg have let the province know of the class action they are pursuing. At the moment, the list of defendants has not been finalized and could continue to change.

Premier Doug Ford visited the blast site Sept. 21 and told multiple news sources, “the residents deserve answers.” Reid commented on Ford’s visit saying she hopes his visit will speed up the investigation.  

Currently, those who have been evacuated have been told they could be out of their residences for up to six months. For more information on the ongoing lawsuit, you can visit Strosberg Sasso Sutts LLP on their website at strosbergco.com.