On June 25, 2025 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the roof of Seabrook Brothers & Sons Inc., a produce processing plant in Cumberland County, NJ partially collapsed. This is a breaking story — please check back for updates.
A Closer Look at the Cumberland County Processing Plant Collapse
The partial roof collapse occurred Wednesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. on Finley Road in Upper Deerfield Township.
A brief statement was issued by the Cumberland County Administrator around 3:30 p.m. that confirmed the partial roof collapse, but cited an unknown source.
During the briefing, the Cumberland County Administrator also confirmed that ammonia was released from the facility and that a hazmat team was currently on site mitigating the exposure. Currently, there are no threats to residents in the nearby area.
As of publication, all employees and staff are accounted for. As reported by 6abc, one person refused medical treatment while another was transported to the hospital and treated for a minor injury.
While the exact cause of the partial roof collapse remains under investigation, officials are expected to explore potential construction flaws, deferred maintenance, or safety violations. Given the facility’s size, its continuous operation since the early 1970s, and the presence of industrial refrigeration and processing equipment, structural deterioration of HVAC-related issues may have played a role.
Legal Perspective: Structural Failures and Industrial Safety
When a structural failure occurs in an active industrial setting, particularly one housing hazardous materials, it raises serious legal and safety concerns. In addition to the immediate physical danger, incidents like this may point to larger systemic issues: deferred maintenance, inadequate safety protocols, outdated infrastructure, or violations of OSHA regulations.
While the full investigation into the Seabrook Brothers & Sons collapse is still underway, the facts already suggest a high-risk environment. From the ammonia leak to the potential for worker exposure or community impact, the situation is a clear reminder of the need for proactive safety oversight in industrial facilities.
For over 40 years, Anapol Weiss has represented individuals and families impacted by preventable industrial incidents, particularly those involving unsafe working conditions, fire and explosion hazards, and structural failures. We understand how complex these cases can be and the lasting harm they often cause.
High-Risk Environments Require High Accountability
When employers cut corners or fail to maintain critical infrastructure, workers are the ones who pay the price. Roof collapses and hazmat incidents aren’t just “accidents,” they’re often preventable with the proper care and oversight.
If an employer fails to maintain safe working conditions, they may be held liable for:
- Injuries resulting from a structural collapse
- Exposure to hazardous materials like ammonia or industrial chemicals
- Failure to evacuate or warn workers of imminent danger
- Inadequate emergency response or safety equipment
Our legal team works closely with workplace safety experts, structural engineers, and industrial hygiene specialists to uncover the root causes of incidents like these. Regardless of the scale of harm, we’re committed to securing justice for those affected and driving accountability that helps prevent similar failures in the future.
Why Experience Matters in Industrial Accident Cases
Investigating an industrial incident like the Seabrook Brothers & Sons collapse requires more than just legal know-how. These cases demand a deep understanding of how large-scale facilities operate, how state and federal regulations apply, and how negligence can be buried under layers of bureaucracy.
Anapol Weiss has extensive experience in these high-stakes environments. We’ve handled cases involving:
- Warehouse and factory collapses
- Chemical exposure injuries
- Industrial explosions and fires
- Unsafe building maintenance and code violations
Our goal is to hold negligent companies accountable and to fight for the full compensation our clients need, including medical expenses, lost income, long-term care, and emotional suffering.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Affected?
Even if you didn’t suffer serious injuries, it’s important to document everything. If you were on-site, exposed to chemical leaks, or had to miss work due to the facility shutdown, you may still want to monitor your health and consult with a legal professional if concerns arise.
Here’s what to do next:
- Seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms
- Document the incident (photos, emails, names of witnesses)
- Keep track of lost income or medical bills
- Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible
While investigations into the cause of the collapse are still underway, events like these often raise larger questions about maintenance, oversight, and accountability. If you believe your health or livelihood was affected, legal guidance can help clarify your options.
Call us today at 215-608-9645 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.