Jury awards $270 million to man injured in explosion

PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- A jury awarded $270 million to a man who was seriously injured when his well house exploded two years ago.

Fairon Johnson of Dema claimed that explosive gas traveled through an underground water aquifer and seeped into his water well from a nearby natural gas well. A jury Thursday ordered Equitable Resources and Kentucky West Virginia Gas to pay the huge award.

The case focused attention on board environmental and safety issues that need to be addressed by the natural gas industry in Appalachia, said attorney Gary C. Johnson, who represented Fairon Johnson.

Gary Johnson, no relation to the plaintiff, said the company had removed the steel casing from natural gas wells, allowing waste gas, brine and salt water to seep into the fresh water aquifer.

The attorney said the practice is common across the region and other residents could be injured.

Fairon Johnson suffered second-degree burns on his face, ears and neck when an explosion occurred in his well house June 5, 2000.

The gas company denies the allegations, and its president said Friday it will appeal.