The Fatal Watson Grinding Explosion: One Year Later

Nearly one year after a catastrophic explosion at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co. rocked northwest Houston, United States Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur entered an ordered remanding 126 explosion-related cases to state court. Last Summer, experts conducted a five-week long site inspection which revealed several new defendants believed to be responsible for the explosion. While there is still work to be done, this ruling brings victims one step closer to their day in court.

The explosion’s one-year anniversary would also bring changes to existing rules regarding the storage of hazardous materials. On December 18, 2020, Houston City Council amended an existing ordinance to add libraries, churches, public parks, and community centers to the list of locations that must be at least 1,000 feet from facilities storing hazardous materials. The amendment also requires businesses to apply for permits to store hazardous materials outside.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an industrial accident or refinery explosion, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-396-3964 or toll free at 1-800-594-4884.