Current:Home > NewsUtility regulators file complaint against natural gas company in fatal 2021 blast in Pennsylvania -FinanceMind
Utility regulators file complaint against natural gas company in fatal 2021 blast in Pennsylvania
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:16:56
TYRONE, Pa. (AP) — State utility regulators have filed a complaint against a natural gas provider alleging safety violations in connection with an explosion in a central Pennsylvania borough that killed one person and injured several others three years ago.
The 22-count complaint filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission against Peoples Natural Gas Co. alleges that in responding to the report of a gas leak, the company didn’t shut off the gas supply, call emergency personnel or evacuate nearby homes before the July 2021 blast in Tyrone, The (Altoona) Mirror reported.
The blast killed 83-year-old Anna Hunsicker and destroyed her home, also damaging two other residences. Several other people were taken to hospitals, including a utility worker who had been in the basement of the home.
The leak turned out to have been caused by a contractor’s drill piercing a main, and the blast happened 40 minutes after a worker arrived and 18 minutes after he told a supervisor there had been “a serious incident involving suspected bore or missile damage,” according to the complaint.
The commission is recommending an $800,000 fine and changes in procedures to improve response to future reports of leaking gas.
Peoples, which has 20 days to respond, said Friday it was reviewing the complaint but stressed safety as its top priority and a commitment toward working with the commission “toward our shared goal of enhancing the safety of our communities and the distribution systems that serve them.”
“This explosion was caused by a third-party contractor striking a Peoples’ pipeline with a horizontal drill while installing a water service line perpendicular to our line for the borough of Tyrone,” the company said in an emailed statement, the newspaper reported.
veryGood! (2847)
Related
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Bill Belichick looking back on Super Bowl victories highlight 'ManningCast' during MNF
- A federal courthouse reopens in Mississippi after renovations to remove mold
- Skin needing hydration and a refresh? Here's a guide to Korean skincare routines
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Detroit Red Wings sign Lucas Raymond to 8-year contract worth more than $8M per year
- REO Speedwagon reveals band will stop touring in 2025 due to 'irreconcilable differences'
- Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting again in a remote part of a national park
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- HISA equine welfare unit probe says University of Kentucky lab did not follow testing guidelines
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- A key employee who called the Titan unsafe will testify before the Coast Guard
- Bachelorette's Jenn Tran Clarifies Jonathan Johnson Relationship After Devin Strader Breakup
- Trump will soon be able to sell shares in Truth Social’s parent company. What’s at stake?
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- 6-year-old Virginia student brings loaded gun to school, sheriff's office investigating
- Vance and Georgia Gov. Kemp project Republican unity at evangelical event after Trump tensions
- Vance and Georgia Gov. Kemp project Republican unity at evangelical event after Trump tensions
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Cousins caps winning drive with TD pass to London as Falcons rally past Eagles 22-21
A man accused of stalking UConn star Paige Bueckers is found with an engagement ring near airport
North Carolina’s coast has been deluged by the fifth historic flood in 25 years
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Volkswagen, Porsche, Mazda among 100,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
The new hard-right Dutch coalition pledges stricter limits on asylum
The hormonal health 'marketing scheme' medical experts want you to look out for