Edwards et al. v. Rockwell Automation Inc. et al

This litigation arose out of a massive explosion that ripped through the West Pharmaceutical Services Plant in Kinston, North Carolina. Six people died of injuries sustained in the explosion and ensuing fire, and over thirty others allege resulting injuries. The explosion was investigated by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, which issued a report detailing its investigation. Multiple plaintiffs filed civil lawsuits against manufacturers of industrial equipment used in the facility, manufacturers of materials used by West Pharmaceuticals in the rubber manufacturing processes, design engineers and building inspectors, totaling more than a dozen defendants. Plaintiffs claimed damages in excess of $100 million.