Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Co. v. Northern Illinois Gas Co.

The plaintiff, Pioneer Hi-Bred Com Company of Illinois (Pioneer), brought this action in the circuit court of Bureau County against the defendant, Northern Illinois Gas Company (Northern), to recover damages for property which was destroyed when escaping gas exploded, causing a fire in one of Pioneer’s buildings. The complaint contained five counts: count I alleged negligence, count II alleged willful and wanton- conduct, count III alleged breach of implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, count IV alleged strict liability, and count V alleged breach of…