Watson Grinding & Manufacturing headed to federal bankruptcy court yesterday, less than a month after a deadly polypropylene explosion devastated much of northwest Houston, Texas.
Monday’s initial hearing took a dramatic turn, however, thanks to an emergency motion proposing Watson Grinding use insurance proceeds to quickly pay off a bank loan, rather than compensate victims of the January 24th disaster.
Outraged Bankruptcy Judge Denied Watson Grinding’s Motion
According to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur of the Southern District of Texas responded to Watson Grinding’s motion by telling a packed courtroom that he’d “rarely been angrier.”
“Our community suffered a major tragedy on Jan. 24, 2020,” Judge Isgur continued. “Hundreds of people’s lives have been changed forever by the catastrophe on that day.”
He added that his “vigilant” focus would remain on those most impacted by the Watson Grinding explosion: Families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and property owners whose homes and business were damaged.
Judge Isgur then proceeded to deny the company’s motion.
“It will not happen on my watch,” he told the court.
After a short recess, Judge Isgur established a committee to represent creditors in the bankruptcy, a group that will likely include victims of last month’s explosion. He also addressed safety issues, requests to inspect the site, and the preservation of evidence.
A second hearing on Watson Grinding’s bankruptcy petition has been scheduled for Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Watson Grinding Explosion Claimed 3 Lives, Left Dozens Injured
The Watson Grinding explosion rocked northwest Houston early on the morning of January 24th, jolting residents of the surrounding neighborhoods from their sleep.
Two plant employees were tragically killed as they were using the company gym. The explosion would eventually claim a third life, that of a 47-year-old man who died last Wednesday from injuries he suffered in his home.
Dozens of other people living near the plant were hurt and nearly 500 homes and business were damaged.
Zehl & Associates is representing the family of two children, ages 3 and 7, who were seriously injured when their ceilings collapsed on them while sleeping.
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Our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers continue to investigate the Watson Grinding explosion and are committing our full resources to ensuring the companies responsible for this catastrophe are held accountable.
We will post additional updates as new information is made available.
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