Harrisburg, Pa., house blast triggers PUC complaints over pipeline-safety lapses
(UI) — Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) has filed formal complaints against UGI Utilities Inc. and Pronto Plumbing Heating Air Drains after a Dec. 13, 2022 gas explosion leveled a home at 3204 Crest Road and injured two people.
Investigators say a Pronto Plumbing crew struck and ruptured a UGI natural-gas service line while excavating, allowing gas to migrate into the residence and ignite. The blast destroyed the house and damaged several neighboring properties.
I&E’s filings accuse:
- UGI Utilities of multiple state and federal pipeline-safety violations, including missing procedures, inadequate damage-prevention and emergency plans, and failure to protect the public.
- UGI Utilities of a separate breach of Pennsylvania’s One Call Law for not marking its underground facilities after an emergency locate request.
- Pronto Plumbing of One Call violations such as imprudent digging, working in an unmarked zone, and failing to alert UGI and the One Call System after the line strike.
The bureau is seeking civil penalties from both companies and orders for corrective measures.
PUC staff say the case underscores the importance of strict adherence to PA One Call requirements and robust emergency procedures to prevent future pipeline incidents.
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