On Aug. 20, 2015, a Corrigan Oil tanker flipped on I-75, causing a large explosion and fire that shut down the interstate. Corrigan Oil first contacted Truscott Rossman at 9:00 a.m., and Senior Vice President Shaun Wilson arrived at the crash scene at 9:30 a.m. to begin executing crisis communications protocols.
The TR team worked closely with Corrigan Oil leadership and legal representation to establish key messages that would be used in all crisis communications with local media. TR then drafted an initial statement to local media to confirm the accident and reinforce that safety of employees and neighbors is Corrigan Oil’s top priority.
Wilson immediately assumed spokesperson duties for Corrigan Oil and fielded all media inquiries that came as a result of the initial statement. Wilson then traveled to the company’s headquarters in Brighton, Mich. to conference with company leadership, including Corrigan Oil’s CEO, to establish ongoing crisis communications procedures as the news spread and the story developed.
The TR team continued to work with Corrigan Oil leadership and legal representation throughout the week as the driver’s injuries unfortunately resulted in his passing away. TR immediately drafted a media release that acknowledged his passing and reiterated Corrigan Oil’s commitment to its employees and their families.
As a result of TR’s efforts, nearly all media coverage of the crash featured Corrigan Oil’s key messaging and reiterated the company’s commitment to its employees and their families. Overall, harm to Corrigan Oil’s public image was greatly mitigated as TR successfully directed the media’s narrative with a consistent, proactive approach.
