Residents seek justice as class-action lawsuit filed against SPS Technologies after fire
- A fire at SPS Technologies in Pennsylvania led to widespread evacuations and school closures.
- Environmental agencies began monitoring air and water quality, declaring that drinking supplies are safe.
- Residents affected by the incident have filed a class-action lawsuit against SPS Technologies.
In Abington Township, Pennsylvania, a significant fire broke out on February 17, 2025, at the SPS Technologies facility, a large industrial building that manufactures metal equipment for various industries, including aerospace and military. The fire led to evacuation notices for nearby residents, the temporary closure of schools, and disruptions to SEPTA service in the area. Over 60 employees were evacuated as the township's fire department struggled to contain the flames, which raged for nearly a week before being brought under control. Fortunately, officials later assured the public that the air quality posed no immediate health risks, and drinking water sources remained safe. However, a small amount of harmful chemicals was discovered in Tookany Creek, prompting additional monitoring by environmental agencies. This incident raised undeniable concerns about the hazardous materials handled by SPS Technologies, which reportedly engages in high-risk manufacturing processes prone to fire threats. As a result, a class-action lawsuit was initiated by impacted residents, asserting that the company failed to maintain safety standards and adequately protect the surrounding community from the dangers associated with their operations. The lawsuit is being pursued in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas by the law firms Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky and Stranch, Jennings & Garvey, known for representing clients in previous high-profile cases related to industrial disasters. The plaintiffs in the action, including a local school bus driver, are seeking compensation for damages and emotional distress, particularly the mental and physical repercussions from potentially inhaling hazardous chemicals during the catastrophic event. The facilities at SPS Technologies are now recognized as an active investigation scene, with precluding legal and remediation processes expected to unfold in the upcoming weeks, as ongoing investigations by various federal and local agencies aim to determine the fire's cause. The overall community continues to grapple with the aftermath as they seek accountability from the manufacturing facility responsible for a substantial disruption in their lives, amid fears regarding public health risks stemming from hazardous materials being mishandled.