The Winnebago County Court has recently granted the Firm's Motion for Class Certification stemming from the Chemtool fire and explosion in Rockton, Illinois. Judge Stephen Ballogh granted class certification to property owners and residents who resided within three miles of the Chemtool facility.
The Chemtool facility in Rockton, IL exploded on June 14, 2021. The explosion resulted in an enormous chemical fire that created a massive plume of toxic smoke, ash, and debris that could be seen from 100 miles away. Eighty-nine fire departments were dispatched to the site to aid in combating the fire. Homes within a 1-mile radius were evacuated for almost a week due to the toxic plume in their neighborhoods.
Collins Law Partner Ed Manzke is on the Plaintiffs Steering Council for the Chemtool class action litigation. He was appointed to the council by Winnebago County Judge Donna Honsel in July of this year.
