PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — State investigators filed a complaint against utility company UGI on Wednesday, alleging multiple safety violations they claimed led to the deadly explosion at a Berks County chocolate factory three years ago.
The investigation and enforcement bureau of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission wants UGI to pay more than $2.5 million in civil penalties for the explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading on March 24, 2023. That’s the maximum allowed by law. The explosion left seven people dead and 10 others injured.
The complaint has cited 27 violations of state and federal safety regulations for natural gas distribution systems.
The bureau said their investigation and one conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board both point to a leak from a faulty connection near the facility that allowed gas to build up inside the building.
The complaint will be reviewed by the PUC’s administrative law judge before the commission itself rules on the case. The bureau said it also wants to see UGI undertake several measures to improve safety, including expanded use of methane detection systems.
In a statement, UGI said it is reviewing the complaint and called the explosion “a heartbreaking tragedy.”
The statement reads in part: “As UGI reviews the complaint, the Company will continue to cooperate with the PUC’s investigation. UGI is committed to providing safe and reliable service to its customers and communities. Public awareness and education remain central to our mission.”
UGI said it cautions anyone in its service area that smells natural gas to get at least the length of a football field from the area and contacting them or calling 911.