Hazmat Spill in Creola Leads to Class Action Lawsuit>

Headline: Community Affected by Nitric Acid Spill in Creola, Alabama Files Class Action Lawsuit
CREOLA, Ala. (WPMI) — On May 13th, Creola residents were advised to shelter in place after a nitric acid spill created an orange cloud over the area. Dozens of people are reportedly suffering from injuries related to the spill. Attorney Chris Callaghan, representing 80 affected individuals, has filed a class action lawsuit against multiple companies, asserting that the incident was preventable.
Callaghan claims the tankers used were known to have faulty valves, and the spill occurred after a driver ignored protocol. The driver, transporting the chemical from Yazoo, MS to Cantonment, FL, was turned away due to a leaking valve and subsequently drove to Creola, where 5,500 gallons of nitric acid spilled when he opened an external valve against a supervisor’s advice.
The lawsuit targets the driver, his trucking company, the valve manufacturer, and the tanker manufacturer. According to the CDC, nitric acid exposure can cause severe health issues, and Callaghan’s clients report injuries ranging from skin burns to severe respiratory problems. The companies named in the lawsuit—Quality Carriers, Inc., Girard Equipment, Inc., Gulf Coast Express Carriers Corp., and Brenner Tank, LLC—have yet to respond to the legal claims or requests for comment.