ROSELAND, La. (WVUE) - Smitty’s Supply Inc. filed a lawsuit in state court Tuesday (Oct. 14) alleging that a faulty thermal fluid heater was to blame for an explosion and massive fire that sent contaminated soot cascading upon Tangipahoa Parish on Aug. 22.

The lawsuit, filed in Tangipahoa Parish’s 21st Judicial District Court, provides the first public explanation offered by the lubricant manufacturer for the incident that has required an extensive cleanup effort headed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

“This lawsuit is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect Smitty’s Supply’s business, reputation and ability to build back in Tangipahoa Parish,” said a statement issued by The Ehrhardt Group, a public relations firm hired to manage the corporation’s crisis communication

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