Second CUC worker sues over explosion

A second Caribbean Utilities Company worker injured in an explosion at the power plant is suing the company, claiming its negligence was responsible for the blast. 

In a detailed writ of summons filed with the Grand Court, Arney Ebanks, describes how he and colleague Kurt Scott became “engulfed” in flames in the explosion in an engine room at the North Sound facility.  

Mr. Ebanks claims CUC ignored work orders and failed to maintain equipment properly leading to the blast, three years ago. 

Mr. Scott, who was seriously injured and had to be flown to Miami for treatment, filed his own suit against the company earlier this month, also alleging negligence, but providing few details of the specific allegations against CUC. 

The writ, filed on behalf of Mr. Ebanks, provides the first detailed account of the events that led up to the dramatic explosion on Jan. 28, 2011 as well as details of the alleged negligence. 

It indicates that CUC will be asked to produce a copy of its own report on the cause of the explosion which it has so far “refused to provide” to Mr. Ebanks.  

The company announced an investigation in the immediate aftermath of the explosion at one of the power plant’s 9-megawatt diesel generators but the findings were never made public. 

CUC declined to comment on Thursday on the latest lawsuit. 

The writ alleges that CUC did not properly maintain equipment. 

It states, “The engine blew up and engulfed Kurt Scott and the plaintiff. Kurt Scott was initially blown to the ground and then he got up and he and the plaintiff ran out of the building. The flame that engulfed them went out almost as quickly as it appeared … 

“The facts of the accident speak for themselves as being an occurrence which cannot normally happen without negligence due to failure to properly maintain the equipment.” 

It states that Mr. Ebanks suffered various personal injuries including burns and scarring and also suffered “mental and emotional trauma.” It adds that he is on medication to enable him to cope on a day-to-day basis and that he is on sick leave from CUC, where he is still an employee. 

He is claiming damages, including at least $2,000 in medical expenses specifically listed in the writ. 

Outlining the basis of his case, the writ states, “The plaintiff considers that the accident occurred as a result of a breach of duty and care under his contract of employment and/or the negligence of the defendant due to the defendant’s failure, having issued several work orders, to repair the pressurizing pump so that it starts and stops in automatic, failure to maintain a safe place and system of work, safe equipment and regularly service and/or maintain the equipment used by the plaintiff and other employees.”