Reuters' P.J. Huffstutter reported on how Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (ADM) is facing a lawsuit alleging negligence in maintaining safety systems at its Decatur, Illinois facility, after an explosion in April 2023 severely injured worker Antonio McElrath. The lawsuit claims ADM failed to test critical fire and explosion suppression systems, contributing to the blast, which left McElrath in a coma for weeks.
The explosion is part of a series of safety incidents at the Decatur site, including previous dust explosions, fires, and another explosion in 2023. OSHA investigators found ADM had not inspected key safety systems. ADM, which is also dealing with government probes into accounting issues, has taken steps to improve safety, including hiring new engineers. However, the company declined to comment on the lawsuit.