CUDAHY, Calif. – Victims of the Cudahy jet fuel spill got the opportunity to speak directly to politicians, city officials, and a Delta representative at a town hall on Friday, January 17.

At its height, every seat was filled and people had to stand in the back of the room.

Jose Gomez attended the event. He was walking outside with his family when the fuel came splashing down on them January 14.

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“I was pretty upset… Because who would do that just drop gas in the city you know and I was scared for my niece and my little sister,” said Gomez.

Shouting from attendees brought the meeting to a stop more than once. Some people carried signs.

 

 

 

Many residents and officials wondered why there isn’t a system in place to warn people before fuel comes falling from the sky.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters spoke.

“Please don’t tell people to see their health provider. Some people don’t have any health provider,” said Waters.

It was also not lost that not too far away from spill site the now closed Exide plant spewed pollutants for years. This was brought up in comments and on signage. A University of Southern California study showed airborne lead from recycled car batteries at the Vernon plant ended up in children’s baby teeth.

Gomez still has the clothes he was wearing during the spill, sealed in a bag. He is not quite sure how to neutralize them.

Experts say the school has been cleaned and the fuel has evaporated.

“We’re still worried. What if it happens again? There’s always going to be that what if, what if,” said Gomez.

It is clear there is fear for those living under the flight path and it won’t be evaporating any time soon.