(The Associated Press circulated the following article on August 17.)
AIKEN, S.C. — A federal judge has approved a class-action settlement for Graniteville residents who were evacuated during one of the nation’s deadliest chemical spills in the last three decades despite concerns from some.
Two Graniteville residents who attended Wednesday’s hearing on whether the settlement is fair say they didn’t understand it and were disappointed with their attorney’s representation. After questions from plaintiffs attorneys and assurances that there concerns would be addressed, the judge ruled the settlement was fair.
Almost 3,300 people have come through the claims office and more time is needed for residents to file claims. Some of the first payments from the class-action settlement could come as early as next week.
Nine people were killed when a train hit parked railroad cars in Graniteville on January 6th. A tank car ruptured, spilling deadly chlorine. Hundreds of people were taken to the hospital and about 5,400 people were evacuated.