Myrtle Beach Restaurant Faces Lawsuit Following Gas Leak Incident
In sunny Myrtle Beach, a local favorite dining spot is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The House of Blues Myrtle Beach is now swirling in a federal lawsuit stemming from a gas leak that left multiple patrons injured, including a young girl. The incident, which unfolded on June 15, 2023, has raised serious concerns about safety practices in restaurants.
What Happened?
The trouble began when a natural gas leak was detected at the restaurant, prompting an emergency evacuation. According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the South Carolina District in Florence on November 11, 2024, nine individuals from North Carolina, including four-year-old A.O., were injured during the chaotic escape.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit—comprising of Carlton Alverson, Sharon Alverson, Jordan Thompson, April Thompson, Larry Rogers, Veronica Rogers, Tiffany Oliver, Alexis Oliver, and little A.O.—are accusing the restaurant of negligence. They claim the evacuation process was anything but orderly, suggesting that House of Blues had a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for their guests.
A Call for Accountability
The lawsuit is claiming that the restaurant failed to keep all exterior access doors unlocked during business hours, which would have allowed patrons to exit safely and quickly during the emergency. Is that not basic safety practice? This oversight is being pinpointed as one of the main reasons for the chaos that ensued.
The legal action reads, “The restaurant failed to evacuate guests in a swift and orderly manner.” This implies that during a potentially life-threatening situation, proper protocols to safeguard guests were not followed. The injured individuals are seeking more than just a simple apology for their suffering; the damages being pursued amount to $75,000 or more. That is no small sum!
Injured Parties Facing Challenges
Those involved in the evacuation reported various injuries, which they say have caused them immense physical pain as well as financial hardships. Accidents and injuries like these can lead to hefty medical bills, lost wages, and more – complications that no diner expects when they visit a lively restaurant.
Families affected by this situation are left grappling not just with the aftermath of their injuries but also with the anxiety that comes from feeling unsafe in a public dining environment. Local diners are likely raising their eyebrows and wondering if their favorite hangout spot is truly looking out for their well-being.
The Restaurant’s Silence
Attempts to reach out to the House of Blues Restaurant Group for comments regarding this lawsuit have not been successful. Calls made to their contact number received no response, and messages sent to the company’s attorney have gone unanswered.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many in the Myrtle Beach community will be keenly watching how this situation develops. It serves as a crucial reminder that, in the world of dining out, safety first should always be the motto. While enjoying a meal with family or friends, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is whether they can get out safely in an emergency.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding this ongoing situation as the impacted parties seek to hold the House of Blues Myrtle Beach accountable. In the meantime, let’s keep those affected in our thoughts and hope for a resolution that emphasizes both accountability and the safety of diners in the area.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
