The incident occurred Aug. 5, 2022, at Haywood Community College’s Public Safety Training Facility in Clyde.

Massey, a fire and rescue training coordinator with over 15 years of service, sustained first- and second-degree burns to over 11% of his body, requiring significant skin grafts, and attorneys claim he has suffered permanent scarring, emotional distress and loss of life enjoyment. The lawsuit alleges negligence, gross negligence and willful or wanton conduct by the defendants, leading to the explosion that caused Massey’s injuries.

Steven Osber, a Senior Partner at Conrad & Scherer and lead counsel in the case, said, “This lawsuit aims to ensure accountability for those responsible, particularly individuals entrusted with the safety and well-being of others, for their actions and oversights that led to this tragic incident. Our client’s life has been forever changed, and we are committed to seeking justice and ensuring that such a preventable accident never happens again.”

The complaint outlines how Fireblast Global, Inc. allegedly failed to adhere to safety standards and neglected proper maintenance and training, which directly contributed to the explosion. Despite previous incidents and signs of system malfunctions, the defendants did not take adequate measures to prevent this catastrophic event.

In a press release, it is stated that Conrad & Scherer is determined to pursue all avenues to secure compensation for Massey’s significant medical expenses, lost income and ongoing suffering, as well as seeking punitive damages for the egregious disregard for the safety and well-being of others.