Jury Awards $122 Million in 2003 Explosion that Killed 7

LONDON, Ky. (AP) - A chemical company has been ordered by a south-central Kentucky jury to pay 122 (m) million dollars to an insulation plant where seven people died in an explosion four years ago.

Federal regulators concluded in 2005 that C-T-A Acoustics used combustible dust made by Hexion Specialty Chemicals to make insulation for heating systems and Ford vehicles. The regulators said accumulating dust sparked the explosion that also injured 37 people.

C-T-A Acoustics argued in the case heard in Laurel County that Hexion failed to warn of the danger posed by the powered resin Durite. C-T-A argued that warning labels weren't in clear view when the Durite was delivered.

C-T-A lawyer Perry Bentley says that once they understood how to handle the resin, they were able to handle it safely. The company has since rebuilt its operation in Corbin.

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