$500,000 Fine Filed Against PGW

The Public Utility Commission seeks $500K fine for PGW over fatal blast

State officials say Philadelphia Gas Works failed to follow its own procedures immediately before a gas leak explosion killed a 19-year-old worker who regulators say wasn't trained to deal with emergencies.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the state's Public Utility Commission filed a complaint Thursday against PGW over the fiery Jan. 18 blast that leveled a Northeast Philadelphia home and injured five other workers.

Regulators say they're seeking the maximum fine of $500,000 against the utility.

The Inquirer report says regulators found PGW violated its own procedures by failing to shut off gas mains and electrical service after the leak was discovered. The explosion was triggered by a furnace's electric ignition.

A PGW spokesman says the utility is reviewing the complaint. It has 20 days to file a response.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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