Pennsylvania regulators seek $2.6 million in penalties for deadly 2023 chocolate factory explosion
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Regulators in Pennsylvania asked an administrative law judge Wednesday to order a gas utility to pay a $2.6 million fine for a chocolate factory explosion three years ago that killed seven workers and sent shots into the air.
The Public Utilities Commission has filed a formal complaint against UGI Utilities Inc.’s gas division, alleging that the company’s distribution facilities serving RM Palmer Company in West Reading violated state and federal standards and regulations.
The deadly explosion and fire in March 2023 destroyed a factory building and a nearby apartment building, causing approximately $42 million in property damage, the commission said. Ten people were injured, four seriously, the commission said.
UGI released a statement Wednesday, calling the explosion a heartbreaking tragedy and expressing its condolences for the families of the victims, people in West Reading and others affected.
a woman He was pulled alive from the rubble He told The Associated Press in 2023 that flames engulfed the building and its arm as the ground beneath it collapsed. Patricia Borges falling into a vat of liquid chocolate extinguished her burning arm. Borges broke his collarbone and both heels and spent nine hours screaming for help and waiting to be rescued as firefighters battled the inferno.
The company said it is “committed to providing safe and reliable service to its customers and communities. Public awareness and education remain at the heart of our mission.” People were urged to evacuate immediately if they smell gas and move at least 360 feet (110 meters) away before calling 911 or UGI at 800-276-2722.
The state utility regulator wants Denver, Pennsylvania-based UGI to expand the use of remote methane detectors, inspect old plastic pipe connections more frequently and bolster emergency response procedures.
It was stated that the explosion originated in a plastic service department on the street near the factory, which is located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia. The gas entered the factory building underground and was somehow ignited.
The National Transportation Safety Board previously concluded that the facility did not have natural gas emergency procedures that could have resulted in an emergency evacuation. Workers reported smell of gas before firing.
