Class action lawsuit seeks damages for Rockdale County residents affected by lab explosion

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Some residents east of Atlanta were evacuated and others told to shelter in place after a fire at a chemical plant Sept. 29, 2024.

Credit: Rockdale County via X

A group of Atlanta attorneys filed a class action lawsuit this week against the company responsible for the fire and chlorine chemical smoke affecting residents in Conyers and surrounding areas.

The lawsuit alleges BioLabs and KIK Consumer Products engaged in negligence which ultimately caused the fire and harmed the community. They’re seeking financial relief for property damaged, funding to clean the neighborhood, and improved safety measures at the lab.

The suit is open to all residents and business owners affected by the explosion in Rockdale County. Attorney Daniel Flynn said this lawsuit is about protecting the community.

“When people return to their homes and they have to repair or replace clean up things, they are damaged,” Flynn said. “When people's property values drop because people know that there's a factory in town that repeatedly pollutes the town, they're damaged.”

Attorneys estimate over 90,000 residents of Rockdale County and surrounding areas have been impacted by the chlorine gas. The current lawsuit is focused on impact and damage to property.

• RELATED: Some Georgians asked to stay inside during daylight hours until chlorine plume passes

Attorney Chris Stewart said they’re taking note of other issues as they develop.

“Typically, in these situations, the health hazards and the symptoms that are going to be arising — right now, we're getting a lot of calls for headaches, burning eyes, coughing, things like that,” he said. “So this is Step 1 in a long process. This is going to be a long battle.”

People who believe they’ve been affected by the fumes are encouraged to document any issues and contact the attorneys filing the case.