YOUNGSTOWN - A local window replacement company named in a lawsuit stemming from a fatal house explosion last October in Ellsworth Township, has formally denied responsibility for the blast that killed four family members.

In its answer filed in Mahoning County Court, Window World-PennOhio asserted that the cause of the damages remains "undetermined." The company claimed that the "negligence of other individuals and/or companies caused and/or contributed to cause the damages and injuries alleged," and that it had "no active participation in the work performed" and "did not directly control the work to be performed."

The lawsuit, filed by the estates of the four victims, alleges that negligence by Window World, Inc., and its franchisee, Window World-PennOhio, LLC, led to the Oct. 5, 2024, explosion at 8521 Huxley Road in Ellsworth Township. The complaint claims that during siding replacement work the day before, Window World employees or contractors damaged propane gas lines, causing a leak that resulted in the catastrophic blast.

Killed in the explosion were homeowners Jeffery Kocanyar, 69, and Joann Kocanyar, 67. Their daughter, Julie Kocanyar Lubic, 33, and her husband, Adam Lubic, 33, who were visiting from Chicago, also perished.

A State Fire Marshal's report from the investigation into the blast indicated that a propane leak is believed to have caused the explosion. The report also noted that workers were at the home the day before the incident, with witnesses reporting loud "banging" and "hammering" and a broken water line in the basement. The lawsuit specifically accused Window World of causing damage to the propane gas line.

Window World-PennOhio's filing includes several defenses, such as the right to apportion negligence to other parties, a setoff for any sums received by the plaintiffs from other sources, and the argument that the alleged injuries were caused by "intervening and/or superseding actions."

When the lawsuit was initially filed in March, Window World owner Pat Moran released a statement expressing sorrow for the "tragic event" but maintaining the company was "not responsible for causing this unfortunate incident." The lawsuit seeks damages of over $25,000 for each of the wrongful death and survival claims, along with interest, court costs, and attorney's fees. A jury trial has been demanded in the case.