Cordova, AL – More than 15 months after a Cordova man was killed in a natural gas explosion at his home, his family have filed a lawsuit blaming negligent behavior for the man’s death.
Today, the corner lot where Hillard Ray Minor used to live is nothing but a pile of weeds. For some, it’s all a painful reminder of last January’s explosion.
“It was devastating to a lot of people that still lives over in that area. We don’t live far from it, Cordova resident Paul Borden said.
More than 15 months after that deadly day, Minor’s family members took legal action. They filed a lawsuit against the city of Cordova, the Cordova Gas and Water Board, and Nelson and Company Engineering.
The lawsuit accuses the three of receiving reports of natural gas leaks in the area and not addressing the issue.
“They should be responsible for not only that family, but for the other families there, Brenda Borden said.
Family members are seeking $10 million in damages. They say they hope the lawsuit will help prevent something like this from ever happening again.
“I don’t believe they’ll ever get a penny out of it. That’s just my opinion, Paul Borden said.
WVTM 13 reached out to Cordova Mayor Drew Gilbert to talk about the lawsuit. He says it’s in the city’s best interest not to talk about open litigation.