Victims Take Legal Action After A Massive Explosion In Silver Spring
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WJZ)—Victims are taking legal action after a massive explosion rocked a Silver Spring apartment complex killing seven people and leaving more than 80 families displaced.
It's destruction that never gets any easier to look at and stories some wish they'd forget.
A massive explosion at the Flower Branch apartments forever changed the lives of many and now has dozens of victims preparing to file a civil suit.
"We intend to hold accountable any and all parties who are responsible for this catastrophe," said Attorney Cary Joshi, who's part of one firm representing the victims.
The night of August 10th, the explosion torched the apartment complex off Piney Ranch Road.
One victim tells WJZ that moments after the fiery blast, babies were coming out of the window for safety.
Nearly one month later, the aftermath of the explosion is still evident.
Right now, it's unclear who the lawsuit will be filed against and how much compensation will be sought.
CASA says they've partnered with what they call "two very powerful law firms" to represent the victims.
"Now we are thinking about what is next and how we are going to bring justice to our families," said Gustavo Torres, executive director with CASA.
Authorities have indicated natural gas was a factor in the blast, something residents say they complained about weeks before the explosion.
A tragic ordeal that now has the entire community demanding answers.
One victim told WJZ on Wednesday that her apartment was deemed safe after the explosion, but they still smelled gas inside when they returned.
She says they complained to the management company, but have yet to receive a meeting.
The NTSB has taken over the investigation and authorities are still trying to determine what exactly caused the gas explosion.
Several tenants signed a petition demanding a meeting with Kay Apartment Communities. Many say they were promised a second meeting with the management company after the explosion, but have yet to have one.