SPS Technologies Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over PA Plant Explosion

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims SPS Technologies' negligence caused an explosion and fire at its Jenkintown, Pennsylvania plant, resulting in damage, disruption, and health concerns for the community.

Who's Affected: Residents and businesses in the Jenkintown, Pennsylvania area who were affected by the SPS Technologies explosion.

Court: Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas

Aerospace manufacturer SPS Technologies is facing a lawsuit after a catastrophic explosion and fire tore through its Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, facility in February. 

The class action lawsuit, filed by local resident Marlo Jones, alleges the company’s negligence caused the disaster, leading to widespread damage, school closures, and health concerns for the surrounding community.

SPS Technologies Explosion Causes Damage and Disruption

Marlo Jones, who filed the complaint, was at home, 1.6 miles from the SPS facility, when the explosion rocked the area on February 17. The blast shook her house, forcing her to shelter in place due to the thick, noxious fumes that lingered in the air, the lawsuit states. As a school bus driver for the Abington School District, Jones was unable to work when local schools shut down for multiple days, costing her wages she has yet to recover.

Beyond financial losses, Jones says she is grappling with emotional distress and fears for her long-term health due to potential chemical exposure. Her lawsuit also claims the fire has devalued her home, adding to her damages.

Negligence to Blame for Explosion, Lawsuit Alleges

The explosion erupted late on the night of February 17 at SPS Technologies’ warehouse on Highland Avenue. Witnesses described flames and multiple explosions inside the building as first responders rushed to the scene. More than 60 firefighters fought the fire for days, but as of February 19, it remained active, with plumes of black smoke still billowing into the sky.

The fire forced emergency closures of local businesses and schools, with residents within a one-mile radius ordered to shelter in place. Officials also issued voluntary evacuation notices due to concerns over air quality and hazardous particulates in the air.

The lawsuit alleges that SPS Technologies failed to properly inspect, maintain, and operate its facility, resulting in the disaster, and says that the company’s alleged negligence put thousands of people at risk, leading to economic and emotional hardship across the community.

Industrial Accidents Spark Legal Battles

SPS Technologies isn’t the only company under legal fire for alleged safety failures. In Louisville, Kentucky, Givaudan Flavors Corporation is facing a class action lawsuit after an explosion at its plant killed two employees and damaged nearby properties. Plaintiffs claim the company’s lack of equipment maintenance led to the deadly blast.

Similarly, a chemical fire at KIK Bio-Lab in Georgia triggered multiple lawsuits after hazardous chlorine gas forced evacuations and raised serious health concerns for local residents.

Jones wants to represent all Pennsylvania citizens who were impacted, injured or damaged by the fire and explosion on February 17. She is suing for negligence, private nuisance, public nuisance, and trespass to land, and is seeking injunctive relief, damages, fees, costs and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Jones v. SPS Technologies LLC d/b/a PCC Fasteners-SPS Jenkintown
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-01067
• Court: Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Robert J Mongeluzzi and Patrick Howard (Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky P.C.)
• J. Gerard Stranch and Andrew E. Mize (Stranch, Jennings, & Garvey PLLC)

Were you affected by the SPS Technologies explosion in Jenkintown? Share your experience and join the fight for justice in the comments below.