Contractors Sue Over Deaths In Iraq

KBR Employees Say Attack That Killed 7. U.S, Civilians In Iraq Could've Been Prevented

(CBS)  Heading to Baghdad airport, a fuel convoy turned into an inferno, and resulted in the largest single loss of American civilians in the Iraq war. Seven died and 26 were injured, CBS News Chief Investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports.

"It could have been prevented. And it never, never should have happened to begin with," says Ray Stannard.

Stannard was one of the drivers. As the truck burned, he held a friend who died in his arms.

"What they did was murder," he says, "and I stick by that."

But his anger is not directed at the insurgents. Instead, it's directed at his employer, Kellogg Brown and Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton.

"They sent these men down the road, under attack with mortars, land mines, machine guns, rifles, grenade and explosives. Knowing the army was in combat. Knowing that people were being wounded. Knowing that trucks were destroyed. And they chose to do it anyway," says Scott Allen, who represents former KBR employees now suing the company for wrongful death.

In depositions obtained exclusively by CBS News, another KBR convoy leader describes what he saw just three hours before the massacre.

"I can only say that the escorts for my convoy expended 2,000 rounds of ammunition in a five mile period," the leader says, adding that he informed Halliburton KBR of the attack on his convoy.

And yet, KBR security coordinator Steve Pulley testified that none of his superiors put a stop to the fuel convoy.

"KBR security did their job that day, KBR security did their job that week, and KBR security was overruled," Pulley says.

So why would KBR bosses, despite all the warnings, still send so many civilians into harm's way?

An anonymous letter from someone who describes himself as a former manager at KBR offers a cold-blooded explanation.

"The executive responsible ... was under pressure" ... and "having that convoy proceed in the face of danger was one way to show improved performance," the letter says.

KBR denies the charges and says, like the Army, it should be immune from lawsuits. Yet, in a letter sent to Stannard just prior to the lawsuit, the company offers to help him receive the Army Defense of Freedom medal, but only if Stannard will agree to "release" KBR "from any and all claims." In essence, this means giving up any right to sue.

Top Senate Democrat Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., says he finds KBR's behavior outrageous.

"These are all serious issues and, in some cases, life and death issues, and the American people would expect there to be accountability," Sen. Dorgan says. "Who's accountable?"

On Monday, Sen. Dorgan plans to find out. He'll hold a hearing designed to shed light on the incident.

[kelliisirish]

My dad works for kbr as a contractor...im his 13 year old daughter and he told me nothing of this he told me hes very safe and in good hands?

[balad2005]

It's funny how people lean to the side of money. Money is not and was not the main priority in Kevens life. He wanted to help as much as he could. He was to old to go to the Navy so he went through Haliburton. The best way to get in and to help out. Money, it's not for ALL. just those that point fingers at ALL others. Figure out what reality is my freinds. It's about helping out OUR SOLDIERS and the people of Iraq. Money is the only thing on your minds and that's all your will ever think about. Americans that have been over there understand this more then these little unAmericans that try to bring more hate into this country. Tell it like it is, you people that love your money are the ones that will sue for anything you can. You don't want to get off your back side and work for it.
Ask the SOLIDERS that were over there. They will tell you how much they are thankfull for the sacrifice that these civilians give to them.
Drop the money issues. It's about being an AMERICAN my freind, something you will not understand unless you are being fried at by an AK47. GOD bless our men and women and the civilians.

[valh0410]

Thank you for airing this information on KBR. My husband was employed by them. His fuel truck was hit by an IED July 2005. He has had several surgeries, and still has about another year of recovery. He suffered severe injuries including head injuries, and will not be the same. When he was hit his truck had no armor, no bullet proof glass, and no cage for the window(to protect against rocks). He was also nominated by KBR for the defense of freedom medal, but he did not sign the release, and we suspect they are delaying his medal (if they ever sent the paper work in). I have a copy of the release, the accident report from KBR (in which they blame the military). These companies need to be made accountable for their actions. My husband knew the risks, but was told that the trucks were being uparmored.This war is unprecedented in the use of US civilians in support of the military. The military could not function without the help of these civilians. Just remember, we would not even have the freedom to email our opinions if it weren't for the soldiers fighting for our freedoms, keep them in your prayers.

[tuzlatito]

We all mourn their deaths. Unfortunately those employees knew exactly what they were getting themselves into and were motivated by potential financial gain.

[agnim]

Most sane people who value their existence always seek to stay away from a war zone; so to be suing someone for a preventable trip to a war zone is laughable.

Of course the destruction of lives could have been prevented; they could have chosen to not place their lives on the line for a mere pittance in the first place.

I do hope the family of the decease win some compensation from those who were smart enough to stay out of a war zone themselves, and instead send their 'sheep' to the slaughter.

Will this waste of lives be a lesson to future potential %u2018sheep%u2019? Time will tell.
In stead of waiting to sue someone, the family members should instead be using the energies in preventing their love ones from making stupid trips to a war zone.

[radarchampio]

"Safety First" is the KBR Company Slogan - it should be " Anything for Money" ! I worked overseas for two years for KBR. I believe that KBR was responsible and I hope that the Congresional Investigation will shed some light on this dark company. I resigned from KBR because I could not work any longer for a company that I felt was taking advantage of the United States Government.

[ljbrown3]

Since when did CBS News begin accepting anonymous letters as quotable sources in your news stories? I thought you learned something from your problems with Dan Rather. This tells me your journalistic standards are still in need of an upgrade.

[balad2005]

Some go for the money, others go to help their fellow soldiers in arms. KBR gave them away in. Yes the money is great. That money comes back to the states and is spent here.
Looking into major companys can and will help us taxpayers. We need to see the waist of our dollars.
There is te respect that the KBR drivers can give our soldiers over there that I can give.
The Marines lost a 5 ton a year ago when a flood came through. The Marines lost several in the 5 ton. The Marines came to the KBR drivers for help. The unarmed KBR drivers went out into the unsafe zone to help out. They were able to find all the Marines that had drown. It's not for the money people. It's to help out that country and our soldiers. My brother was one that gave his life to help others over there. He died in that ambush. He gave all to help others. His convoy was delivering the mail out of annoconda to the northern bases. I honor those over there for the job that others would NEVER do. GOD bless to all.

[philndeb]

It should be clear to everyone that KBR (Halliburton) is more than willing to risk the lives of lower level employees and contractors to ensure that stock prices remain as high as possible. After all, for this organization (and for some in government) the "war on terror" is about economic opportunity and loss of life (civilian and military) is simply the cost of doing business.

[balad2005]

Sen.Dorgan,
this isn't the 1st and will not be the last. 9-20-2005 (3) were killed in an ambush north of Balad, Iraq. The machinegun fire, IED's and murder happened there too. This time it was caught on video. KBR had NO protection for these drivers. Three (3) unarmed KBR drivers were murdered that day. There were no armour plating on the trucks. The area north of Balad was a hot zone. The drivers knew it but their jobs demaned it. I have seen this video and it hurts to hear the yells of the drivers as they were killed by al-quida, I.N.P. and the I.N.G.
I would love for you to see this video. It was also shown on Canadian tv last year.
GOD bless our troops and the unarmed civililans

[kevinidol9]

I do not care to have my name posted until I have clearance from my attorney, however I am also a victim of KBR's inconsideration for the safety of it's employees. I was injured on April 8, 2004 before any armor was provided in the trucks. It was available at the time but had yet to be installed. The day before, the 7th, we left for a mission but got only a short way down the road before we had to stop at FOB because the roads were too dangerous. The next morning the roads were just as dangerous and someone had already put out a warning to stay off the roads. Without regards to this warning we were sent out and encountered IEDs and an ambush where I was injured. Two issues arise from this, one: KBR should have installed adequate armor which they had, and two: KBR the management should have heeded the warning and not sent anyone out.