Pierno v. Mobil Oil Corp.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Joseph J. Maltese, J.

Without warning, on February 21, 2003 an earthquake force of a gasoline barge exploded at Port Mobil in Staten Island, New York, which knocked people down, shattered windows, unhinged doors miles away, and sent chunks of metal flying into the air.1 The explosion and subsequent fire destroyed Petroleum Barge B. No. 125 (hereinafter referred to as the barge). The Port Mobil terminal suffered damage from the explosion and subsequent fire. Chips of burnt material the size of quarters rained down upon the roofs and patios as the spectacular inferno sent…