Massachusetts

Lawsuit: Banana Truck Caused Massive Restaurant Fire

Restaurant owner David Salvatore claims a truck carrying bananas rolled over and ruptured a natural gas line, sparking the blaze.

The owners of a Massachusetts restaurant are suing the Chiquita banana company, alleging a truck carrying bananas caused a fire that destroyed their business.

David Salvatore, who represents the owners of the Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk, told The Sun Chronicle a truck carrying bananas rolled over in June 2012, and ruptured a natural gas line that sparked the blaze.

He said there's a pattern of improperly loaded banana trucks being involved in accidents.

The suit names as defendants Chiquita Fresh North America, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, the owner and driver of the truck and a freight company.

Chiquita denied negligence in its response to the suit. Columbia Gas said it could not comment on pending litigation.

The suit filed in Bristol Superior Court seeks unspecified damages.

Copyright The Associated Press
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