The explosion and fire occurred on Aug. 10, 2008, killing Sunrise employee Parminder Saini.
TORONTO – A $23 million settlement for people affected by the Sunrise propane explosion six years ago — which killed an Indo-Canadian employee of Sunrise and displaced thousands of others — was granted in court Friday.
The explosion and fire occurred on Aug. 10, 2008, killing Sunrise employee Parminder Saini. Firefighter Bob Leek suffered a fatal heart attack while battling the massive fire that followed. Homes, schools and businesses were severely damaged, reported CBC News.
“Our home felt like it had been hit by a train,” said Lynda Ferderico.
“We ran outside and it just looked like a nuclear explosion with debris coming down on us.”
It’s been six years since the explosions at the fuel depot at 62 Murray Rd., in the Keele Street and Wilson Avenue area in August 2008 were heard around the city.
The class-action lawsuit that was filed stipulated the area affected was bordered by Keele Street, Highway 401, Sheppard Avenue and Dufferin Street.
The defendants will pay $23,345,000 towards all claims. There will be approximately $8 million set aside for area residents and another $8 million for insurance companies while the bulk of the leftover money being allocated towards lawyers and legal costs.
Each resident who was displaced from their home will receive $200 for the first day outside their home and $50 per day thereafter.
People injured in the blast and fire will get anywhere from $500 to $50,000, depending on the severity of the injury.
All insurance deductibles will be paid for claimants, and uninsured property damage can be claimed as well.
Members of the class action can claim for lost employment or business during the period after the blast.
