(Maryland television station WBAL carried the following report on its website on July 13.)
BALTIMORE — The Hartford Casualty Insurance Co. is suing Baltimore’s elected officials and CSX Transportation to recoup more than $1 million it paid out in damage claims after the Howard Street tunnel fire three years ago this month.
The Hartford represents the Baltimore Orioles and the Maryland Institute College of Art.
In its subrogation claim, the insurer said the Orioles sustained $1 million in ticket and concession losses from three canceled games. And the claim alleges at least $100,000 was paid to the art institute for smoke and water damage.
The complaint alleges negligence by CSX and the city caused the train derailment and the release of hazardous materials. The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to release its findings regarding the cause of the accident.
It’s the city’s position that CSX is responsible, but CSX officials said it hasn’t seen evidence of a rail-related cause.
Several other lawsuits have been filed as a result of the tunnel accident. Camden Yards concession company Aramark sued CSX and the city last week.
Neighborhood resident Dianna Shade is also suing CSX and the state over the remediation that took place on the tracks near her home.