West Pharmaceutical and Thomas Clagon Class Action Dismissed

In March 2003 an explosion at the rubber plant in Kinston killed six people and injured 38 more. An investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Hazard Investigation Board surmised that a spark created a dust explosion among fine particles of rubber. More than 350 plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against West alleging property damage, medical issues and exposure to chemicals. A Superior Court judge in Craven County has dismissed the class action lawsuit. (Mar-02-06) [NEW BERN SUN JOURNAL]