Barlow, Mississippi – An attorney from Morgan and Morgan, Ben Wilson, expressed his reaction to the recent findings by the State Fire Marshal’s Office regarding a propane explosion in Copiah County. The attorney mentioned that it was not surprising that the cause of the explosion was ruled as undetermined, as it is a common outcome in fire investigations. Wilson highlighted the importance of conducting an independent investigation for civil cases to delve deeper into such incidents beyond what the state examines for potential criminal intent.
The explosion in January 2024 resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including Loyd Star Attendance Center student Toler Jordan, his cousin Houston “Bubba” Jordan, Calvin “Benjy” Jordan, and Jeremy Mitchell. Following the investigation, the State Fire Marshal’s Office cited the extensive damage as the reason for not determining an exact cause for the explosion.
In the aftermath of the incident, a lawsuit was filed against Hering Gas Company, alleging that improper inspection of the propane tank led to the explosion. Wilson mentioned that the case is set to go to trial in March 2025, after the propane cylinder is examined by experts in Atlanta. Discussions are also reportedly ongoing about the possibility of prosecuting the case as a criminal matter by the District Attorney’s office.
The lawsuit holds Herring Gas and its employees directly responsible for the explosion, seeking accountability for its consequences. Wilson emphasized the meticulous steps taken to gather evidence, with the aim of ensuring justice in the civil case against the company. The legal proceedings aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and provide closure to the families affected by the explosion.