In 2001, an explosion was triggered when methyl mercaptan leaked from a rail car and burst into flames at an Atofina Chemicals plant in Riverview. The blast left three workers dead, nine injured and forced the evacuation of people in four Downriver communities. Residents can receive their share of a $1.2 million settlement. However, at least 30 residents have rejected the set amount of $550 per family member. Peter Henning, a Wayne State University professor, said the letters showed that most people are basically honest. \"People treat these legal forms seriously." If fewer than 1,300 seek money, than some of the $1.2 million will be returned to the company.