Weisenberg brothers jailed after explosion endangers students
- Gary Weisenberg and Matthew Weisenberg, co-owners of a scrap metal recycling facility, were jailed after state inspectors found hazardous materials on site.
- The facility was accused of polluting a nearby school, leading to legal actions and community health concerns over several years.
- The situation escalated following an explosion that endangered students, prompting demands for accountability and a review of safety regulations.
In the United States, specifically in Los Angeles, the owners of S&W Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. have been facing serious legal challenges due to environmental violations. Gary Weisenberg, 78, and his son Matthew Weisenberg, 37, were taken into custody following a dramatic explosion at their scrap metal recycling facility in Watts on August 12, 2024. The explosion coincided with the first day of classes at nearby Jordan High School, raising immediate concerns for the safety of students and faculty. Prosecutors revealed that the pair violated court-ordered conditions of release after state inspectors found highly flammable materials on site, prompting a judge to revoke their release and set high bail amounts for both owners. The Weisenbergs face multiple felony counts for illegal disposal of hazardous waste, as well as misdemeanor counts relating to public nuisance and facility maintenance failures. The contamination associated with their operations has been affecting the local community for years, with residents attributing serious health issues to pollution from Atlas Metal. Community members, including students from Jordan High School, have reported finding metal shrapnel and toxic debris in and around the campus, with soil samples showing lead levels exceeding federal safety standards. Prior litigation against the facility includes a federal lawsuit filed by the LA Unified School District in 2020，which alleged unlawful hazardous waste dumping. In 2022, a judge had previously imposed a temporary restraining order on the company after they were reported for launching metal projectiles into the school grounds, confirming ongoing community safety concerns. The recent actions by the prosecution highlight a growing determination to hold accountable those who place public safety at risk amid the dubious operation of companies like Atlas Metal around sensitive areas such as schools.