Press Release

PUC Safety Division Provides Update on Investigation of December 2022 House Explosion and Fire in Suburban Harrisburg

Published on 10/18/2023

Filed under: Gas

Investigation Continuing into Incident Involving Excavation Damage to a Natural Gas Service Line by a Plumbing Contractor

HARRISBURG – The Safety Division of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) – which is part of the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) – is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a December 2022 house explosion and fire in suburban Harrisburg.

Crest Road Incident Overview

On December 13, 2022, Safety Division investigators responded to reports of a house explosion and fire at 3204 Crest Road, which destroyed one residence, damaged several adjacent homes, and sent two people to the hospital for treatment of injuries. Both of those individuals, a UGI Utilities first responder and the occupant of a neighboring home, were released the same day.

While initial emergency response efforts were underway, investigators from the Safety Division began gathering preliminary information. After the initial fire and rescue activities concluded, safety engineers began a more detailed investigation at the site – including detailed interviews with UGI employees, first responders and residents; examination of physical jurisdictional evidence after the incident; a study of the scene and surrounding structures; the detailed review of utility operational records; monitoring of service restorations and repairs around the incident site; and other on-site observations by expert pipeline safety engineers.

Based on information gathered to-date, the Safety Division has determined the following:

• On Dec. 12, 2022, Pronto Plumbing placed an emergency locate ticket with the Pennsylvania One Call system to alert utilities to locate and mark underground lines around 3204 Crest Road.
• UGI Utilities did not locate and mark their line on December 12.
• On December 13, excavation work began and a natural gas service line to 3204 Crest Road was damaged by a backhoe operated by Pronto Plumbing employees.
• A 9-1-1 call was placed after the gas line was damaged.
• Approximately 30 minutes later the home exploded.
• Later that day, utility service was restored to undamaged homes in the area.

The Safety Division investigation continues to explore the circumstances surrounding this incident, compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations, as well as compliance with Pennsylvania’s “One Call Law,” which is intended to help prevent damage to underground utility lines.

Investigators continue to coordinate with the Lower Paxton Township Fire Marshal in this ongoing investigation.  The Safety Division appreciates the cooperation and assistance from local officials and emergency responders – and thanks the residents and others impacted by this incident for their cooperation and patience during the investigation.   

About the Safety Division and Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement

During all investigations by the Safety Division, data is gathered and analyzed – exploring the cause and circumstances surrounding an incident, along with whether there are any violations of state or federal pipeline safety regulations. Any determinations and/or actions are based on that information, within the scope of the PUC’s jurisdiction, and any safety concerns identified by investigators are addressed promptly with regulated pipeline operators and/or utilities.

It is important to note that I&E investigations are limited – by regulation – to the involvement of, or impact from, utilities and utility systems under the jurisdiction of the PUC, along with natural gas transported by those assets. I&E does not have jurisdiction to investigate items, events, or piping beyond the outlet of a service meter within a structure.

Engineers from the Safety Division are in the field daily, conducting inspections of utility construction, operations, and integrity management activities. They also investigate issues discovered during their inspections, along with incidents, accidents and events reported by utility operators, emergency response agencies or the public.  

I&E, as the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the PUC, enforces state and federal pipeline safety and motor carrier safety laws and regulations and represents the public interest in ratemaking and service matters before the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge. I&E has the authority to bring enforcement action, seek emergency orders from the Commission or take other steps to enforce safety regulations and promote public safety.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov