Nicor Worker Severely Injured in Explosion: Lawsuit

JOLIET, IL — A Nicor worker severely injured in a devastating explosion has filed a lawsuit in Will County court.

Thomas W. Smith, 58, suffered a brain injury, multiple spinal fractures, and a broken back, pelvis and ribs in the October explosion, according to a petition to appoint a guardian to a disabled adult. Smith’s brother was appointed to be his guardian.

Smith, a Joliet resident, was part of a Nicor dig crew investigating an October gas line rupture in Romeoville, the lawsuit said.

Another worker reportedly suffered minor injuries in the explosion, and two townhouses units were destroyed.

Smith is suing MetroNet, a fiber optic communication company, ACO Cable Construction, the company that inadvertently cut the gas line while digging, the lawsuit said, and USIC Locating Services, “which was in the business of providing underground locating and marking services for the gas, telecommunications, electric and water industries” in Illinois and other states.

image via Patch archive