A group of 28 subcontractors is seeking as much as $100 million in damages from Valero Energy Corp. following a fire and explosion that occurred April 19 at a 12,000 barrel-per-day alkylation unit at the company's Texas City oil refinery.
The suit, filed May 31 in Harris County, Texas District Court, alleges gross negligence on Valero's part leading up to the accident and seeks a judgement for damages in an amount that would not exceed $100 million.
"Defendants knew the piping system was insufficient to contain the hydrocarbons and other chemicals being used at the plant, and also knew that corners were being cut and inspections and repairs were not being done as required," the plaintiff's petition said.
Valero did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
