Warehouse dead’s kin also sue utility

OAKLAND, Calif. — Relatives of 18 of the 36 people who died in Oakland’s “Ghost Ship” warehouse fire added California’s Pacific Gas & Electric utility on Tuesday as a defendant in their wrongful-death lawsuits. They claimed the company should have known the warehouse’s electrical hookups were hazardous and illegally installed.

Authorities have not disclosed what caused the Dec. 2 fire but have said they are investigating electrical causes. Pacific Gas & Electric was added as a defendant to a “master complaint” lawsuit that combined the 18 separate lawsuits into one, lawyers for those relatives said.

The utility “contributed to this fire and horrible loss of life,” attorney Mary Alexander said. “It’s not about deep pockets, it’s about culpability.”

The company responded in a statement that it had no reports of electrical theft or problems “or any other anomalies from this location or the adjacent premises.”

It added that the utility is cooperating with authorities investigating the fire and “can say that our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of this tragic event.”

The lawsuits consolidated in Alameda County Superior Court also claimed that the building’s owner, Chor Nar Siu Ng, and the building’s leaseholder, Derick Almena, were responsible for the fire and deaths.

Almena organized the Dec. 2 concert and charged an entrance fee. He and his family also lived in the warehouse and sublet living to space to several self-described artists. The warehouse was not licensed for entertainment or residency.

The lawsuit claims the warehouse was a cluttered firetrap and that the owner and leaseholder negligently ignored safety hazards.

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said Monday she is still investigating whether criminal charges should be filed against anyone in connection with the fire.