COPIAH COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – Several days after a devastating propane tank explosion in Copiah County claimed the lives of four individuals, the families of three victims have taken legal action. Attorneys announced on Thursday that they have filed a lawsuit, holding the propane company, two of its employees, and numerous unidentified individuals responsible for the explosion.

This incident occurred less than two weeks after a tragic propane tank explosion at a residence on Wilderness Road in Smyrna. The explosion resulted in the immediate death of one person and caused severe injuries to three others, who later succumbed to their injuries.

Mitzi Jordan and Samantha Britt, the plaintiffs in the case, are seeking compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, property damage, permanent impairment, scarring, and future pain. Jordan, the wife of Calvin Benjamin “Benjy” Jordan and the mother of Houston Russell Jordan, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the explosion, is one of the plaintiffs. Britt, from Brookhaven, has filed the lawsuit on behalf of her deceased son, identified as T.R., who was a minor.

The explosion claimed the lives of Benjy Jordan, 43, and his 18-year-old son. T.R., Jordan’s nephew, who was 14 at the time, also lost his life. The fourth victim, a 52-year-old individual, remains unnamed in the lawsuit.

The defendants named in the lawsuit include Herring Gas Company, as well as Clay Foster and Malik Brown, who were employees of the service provider. The lawsuit alleges that Foster and Brown failed in their duty to properly supervise, inspect, install, maintain, repair, and test the propane and propane gas systems at the property to ensure their safety.

According to the lawsuit, the propane, propane tank, and related equipment did not conform to local, state, and industry standards. Additionally, the suit claims that Brown either overfilled the tank or miscalculated the required propane amount for the prevailing weather conditions, resulting in increased pressure inside the tank.

The suit states, “Due to the extreme fluctuations in temperatures during the night and the following day, pressure inside the tank increased, causing the tank and propane system to release fugitive gas.” Furthermore, it asserts that the gas, which had not been properly odorized, went undetected by the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of negligence in failing to educate their employees and customers about the potential effects of extreme temperatures on propane. Moreover, they allegedly neglected to warn the plaintiffs about the hazardous conditions at the property prior to the explosion.

The explosion occurred on January 14, a day after the plaintiffs claim the tank was filled and serviced. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal is currently investigating the incident.

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