Investigators with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission have recommended that a natural gas utility be ordered to pay a $386,000 fine and take a series of corrective measures following an explosion in Allentown that killed five people.
The February 2011 explosion destroyed eight homes and triggered a raging fire.
PUC investigators say Reading-based UGI Utilities Inc. failed to heed warning signs about the integrity of its 80-year-old cast-iron mains and failed to follow its own safety procedures after the explosion.
UGI says it will issue a statement shortly. The company can challenge the investigatory findings and recommendations before an administrative law judge.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
