(WBIR - Blount County) Ten first responders who helped evacuate residents during a train derailment in Blount County are suing the companies who owned the railroad tracks and rail car.
The lawsuit against CSX and Union Tank Car Company claimed the four Blount County deputies and six Alcoa police officers were exposed to "smoke and vapors containing toxic chemicals, including, but not limited to, acrylonitrile and hydrogen cyanide," while evacuating residents during the toxic chemical fire on July 1. Authorities ordered the evacuation of around 5,000 residents living near the train derailment and fire site.
The lawsuit claims the derailed car had been dragged more than nine miles before stopping near Old Mount Tabor Road in Blount County.
Documents show the plaintiffs said they weren't told about the toxic chemicals until they were in the evacuation zone for quite some time. They claim they didn't have any breathing protection equipment and originally weren't informed that they needed any.
As a result the first responders said they "suffered from irritation of their throats and eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, depletion of oxygen in their blood, and skin irritation, among other symptoms."
The ten first responders were taken to the hospital and subjected to what they claim was intrusive decontamination procedures. They said they have continued to show symptoms including congestion, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Each of the plaintiffs want at least $75,000 to cover past and future physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, fear of future illness, and aggravation and inconvenience. The lawsuit also demands a jury trial.
The lawsuit documents list the plaintiffs as Blount County deputies Sam Hall, Christopher D. Morgan, Nathan Payne, and Brad Butler; it also includes Alcoa police officers Dustin Stevenson, Dustin Cook, Joseph Beasley, Justin Vandergriff, Daniel Brooks, and Mark Tate.
The lawsuit against CSX and Union Tank Car Company claimed the four Blount County deputies and six Alcoa police officers were exposed to "smoke and vapors containing toxic chemicals, including, but not limited to, acrylonitrile and hydrogen cyanide," while evacuating residents during the toxic chemical fire on July 1. Authorities ordered the evacuation of around 5,000 residents living near the train derailment and fire site.
The lawsuit claims the derailed car had been dragged more than nine miles before stopping near Old Mount Tabor Road in Blount County.
Documents show the plaintiffs said they weren't told about the toxic chemicals until they were in the evacuation zone for quite some time. They claim they didn't have any breathing protection equipment and originally weren't informed that they needed any.
As a result the first responders said they "suffered from irritation of their throats and eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, depletion of oxygen in their blood, and skin irritation, among other symptoms."
The ten first responders were taken to the hospital and subjected to what they claim was intrusive decontamination procedures. They said they have continued to show symptoms including congestion, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Each of the plaintiffs want at least $75,000 to cover past and future physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, fear of future illness, and aggravation and inconvenience. The lawsuit also demands a jury trial.
The lawsuit documents list the plaintiffs as Blount County deputies Sam Hall, Christopher D. Morgan, Nathan Payne, and Brad Butler; it also includes Alcoa police officers Dustin Stevenson, Dustin Cook, Joseph Beasley, Justin Vandergriff, Daniel Brooks, and Mark Tate.