Family of man killed in Realty explosion agrees to settle lawsuit
In two months, it'll mark a year since a deadly explosion rocked downtown Youngstown's Realty Tower, killing one and injuring several others.
The attorney representing the family of Akil Drake who died in the explosion said Drake's family has agreed to settle.
Meanwhile, the rest of those affected are pushing forward in a lawsuit against those they believe are responsible.
In the Mahoning County courtroom, visiting Judge Wyatt McKay spent almost an hour and a half with attorneys representing victims and defendants of the realty explosion.
This hearing is the first time the matter has been brought to a courtroom, nine months after the first suit was filed.
"It's a complicated case. The judge, I believe, is going to designate this as complex and put it on a complex track, meaning that there's more complex, discovery issues, expert witness issues damages," Attorney Frank Cassese said, "We did expect that to come out of today, and he did indicate that he intends to do that."
Plaintiff Tracey Winbush lived in the Realty Tower when the explosion tore through.
She said she's still displaced and struggling to rebuild, along with others.
"A lot of people are physically hurting and still in rehab and have medical bills and co-pays and not making money," Winbush said, "That's real because your life has totally been altered."
While no major rulings were made, Cassese said both sides are preparing for what could be a complicated legal battle.
"The court's hopeful that we can work through some discovery issues, and counsel can work together in that time period, and that's how the case is going to move forward from here," he said.
A status conference in the case is set for August 8th.
In the meantime, Judge McKay said there are plans to make various discovery requests adding the main focus is on resolving the cases in an orderly manner.
Enbridge Gas Ohio said in a statement, "Our hearts go out to all who were impacted and their families. Enbridge Gas Ohio does not comment on ongoing litigation as our primary focus is to respect the legal process and allow it to finish. "
