The victims of an explosion and fire at a Woodstock apartment building in March are seeking $60 million in damages.
Four defendants are named in the lawsuit, and the lawyers representing the former tenants of the Victoria Street South apartment say they hope the case can be settled quickly.
An explosion and fire ripped through the 45-unit complex at 168 Victoria Street South in the early morning hours of March 27, 2010, killing two people and leaving nearly 100 others homeless.
Cindy Gale is one of two plaintiffs representing the former residents in the class-action lawsuit.
She says "Every time there's a thunder and lightning storm, like you hear a big loud noise in the middle of the night, you're re-living it all over again."
Many of the mostly elderly residents in the group have also lost everything and are in need of compensation, she adds.
"Some insurance companies have stepped right up and done what they should have done, and other insurance companies are fighting us tooth and nail."
The lawsuit alleges that the source of the explosion was the laundry room in the building's basement.
But Union Gas, named as one of the four defendants, says the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has not completed its investigation.
The company also claims that its own investigation ruled out technical malfunctions.
Andrea Stass, media relations manager for Union Gas, says "Based on our own internal review, we're confident that the incident was not related to Union Gas operations."
Norquay Developments Limited, which owns the building, also claims it was not at fault.
Mike Howe, Norquay's president, says "While Norquay bears no responsibility for the explosion, we certainly deeply regret the loss of life and extend our condolences to the families."
The other two defendants listed are on-site property manager Carolyn Dedrick and Coinamatic, which provided the building's laundry appliances. Neither was available for comment.
Gale says she's hopeful the lawsuit will be successful, especially after many tenants were allegedly charge large sums by a restoration company.
Lawyers for the group are expected to apply for certification of the class-action lawsuit in the next 30-60 days. A hearing start date will be set after it is certified.
