Refers Case to PUC’s Independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement for Further Proceedings Concerning 2019 Incident That Destroyed a Home in Washington, Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today rejected a proposed settlement regarding a natural gas explosion that destroyed a house in the City of Washington, Pennsylvania, in July 2019 – injuring several people and damaging other nearby homes.  The incident occurred as construction work was underway nearby on a Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania (Columbia Gas) project involving gas mains in the area. 

The Commission voted 3-2 to refer the matter to the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) for further proceedings, based on a motion from PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille.

Explosion Investigation

Pipeline safety inspectors from I&E and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal jointly conducted an evaluation to determine the cause of the July 31, 2019, explosion at 100 Park Lane. 

According to investigators, the primary cause of the explosion was the over-pressurization of the house piping and appliances – noting that Columbia Gas had failed to include the …

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