Owner of Destroyed Strip Club Files Lawsuit

The owner of a strip club destroyed in a natural gas explosion in Springfield, Massachusetts, has sued the utility for $5 million.

The lawsuit filed by the owner of Scores Gentleman's Club against Columbia Gas said if the club had not been destroyed it could have enjoyed years of "generous" income.

The Republican reports that the suit says because of city rules, it cannot rebuild and "has forever lost the ability to use the property for its club."

The November 2012 explosion was caused when a Columbia employee accidentally punctured a gas line while probing for a leak. The blast leveled the club and damaged dozens of other buildings. Eighteen people were injured.

A Columbia spokeswoman said she couldn't discuss a pending lawsuit, but the utility has been negotiating with all claimants.