Family of father of 5 killed in Colton hydrogen truck explosion files wrongful death lawsuit

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Family of man killed in truck fire files wrongful death lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed by the widow of Moises Perez, a father of five who died in a Feb. 24 compressed hydrogen truck explosion in Colton. The complaint alleges the tragedy was preventable, claiming Perez reported a gas leak to dispatch beforehand but was instructed to keep driving to the facility anyway. Shortly after Perez arrived and exited the truck, it exploded, killing him and another worker.

The family of Moises Perez, a father of five killed in a high-pressure hydrogen transport truck explosion in Colton earlier this year, filed a wrongful death lawsuit targeting several companies involved in the vehicle's manufacturing and operation.

What we know:

Back in February, Perez reported a leak while transporting compressed hydrogen gas. 

Dispatch instructed him to drive the transport truck from Marina del Rey to Colton. Upon his arrival in Colton, the truck suffered a catastrophic explosion that killed Perez and one other person.

Five months after his death, Perez's family announced a wrongful death complaint against multiple companies involved in the design, manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of the high-pressure hydrogen cylinders and trailer that failed.

The complaint asserts that the targeted companies "designed, manufactured, distributed, and were otherwise involved with the high-pressure hydrogen cylinders and trailer that failed and exploded."

What they're saying:

Perez's widow, Ivania, spoke out about the emotional toll the loss has taken on their family.

"The void that his loss brings to each of us feels unbearable. I try my best as their mom to stay strong for them, to keep everything together. And despite my best efforts to comfort our children, I know this profound loss will impact them for the rest of their lives."

The Source: This report is based on statements provided directly by the family of Moises Perez and their legal representatives during a public announcement regarding the lawsuit. 

ColtonSan Bernardino County