Trial begins in deadly 2001 Augusta plant explosion

<p>A lawsuit from a chemical plant explosion that killed three men in 2001 is headed to trial this week.</p><p>Jury selection was to begin Monday in the case against BP Amoco Chemical Co., which ran an Augusta Amoco Performance Products plant that produced plastics designed to withstand high temperatures, used in such products as auto parts and hospital equipment.</p><p>On the night of March 13, 2001, according to court documents, three workers were opening a waste collection drum when the door blew off, striking the men and spewing hot oil.</p><p>Killed were Heinrich Kohl, 26; John Rowland, 35; and George Sanders, 42. The three victims worked in the unit where a specialized polymer plastic called Amodel was produced. Amodel is a hard moldable plastic that can be used in aircraft engines and automobile parts.</p><p>About 25 people were working in the plant when the explosion occurred.</p><p>The plaintiffs' attorneys will try to convince a federal jury that Amoco was responsible for testing Amodel's reactive characteristics and sharing that information with those who designed and operated the Amodel unit.</p><p>Specifically, the attorneys will argue that Amoco failed to tell design engineers that Amodel could react under certain conditions and develop dangerous pressure levels in closed containers.</p><p>"It was their decision that ultimately cost three men to tragically lose their lives," attorneys for the men's families stated in court documents.</p><p>Amoco's defense is expected to counter that if anyone is to blame, it's Amoco Performance Products, a subsidiary but legally separate entity. The plant is now owned by Solvay America Inc.</p><p>The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for the men's funeral expenses and anticipated future earnings.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x28660bc)</p>