SPS Technologies faces class-action lawsuit following fire in Montgomery County
On Monday, February 17, a large fire erupted at the SPS Technologies factory in Abington Township, Montgomery County, resulting in the filing of the first class-action lawsuit in response to the incident. The lawsuit claims that the fire was the direct result of SPS Technologies’ negligence in maintaining, inspecting, and operating its facility properly. The lawsuit was jointly filed by the law firms Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky and Stranch, Jennings & Garvey in collaboration with an individual known as Jones from Montgomery County, on behalf of all those who were affected by the fire.
The fire at the SPS Technologies factory, located on Highland Road, involved over 60 employees who were present at the time of the incident. The factory, known for producing metal components and fasteners, was entirely engulfed in flames, releasing thick black smoke into the air. Firefighters from 70 different companies rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze, which escalated to a four-alarm emergency. Abington Police Chief Patrick Malloy assured the public that the majority of the hazardous chemicals stored at the plant were contained within a building that remained untouched by the fire.
Efforts to extinguish the fire continued for days, with additional flare-ups complicating the firefighting process. A safety notice and shelter-in-place order were issued for homes and businesses within a one-mile radius of the factory, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite the challenges faced by responders, the evacuation notice and shelter-in-place order were lifted by February 19. Subsequent reports confirmed that the fire was under control, although suppression activities persisted. Public officials provided reassurance regarding the safety of the air and water following thorough testing that showed no presence of harmful contaminants.
In light of the extensive impact on the local community, the lawsuit contends that the fire’s consequences led to significant economic losses, property damage, and emotional distress for residents. Jones, the lead plaintiff, and the affected class are seeking damages exceeding $75,000 against SPS Technologies for their alleged failure to adhere to industry standards and maintain appropriate safety protocols. The lawsuit aims to uncover the root cause of the fire through a comprehensive investigation into the conditions and operations of the factory, with a formal request for a jury trial to address the matter adequately.
As investigations into the incident continue, regulatory bodies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have established dedicated platforms to provide updates on air and water quality monitoring related to the fire. SPS Technologies has also set up a community hotline for residents to address any concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact the hotline for further assistance or information.
