Press Release

PUC Partnering with Federal Investigators on Lancaster County Explosion; Offers Condolences to Families of Workers and Impacted Residents

Published on 7/3/2017

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Commissioners and staff of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today offered condolences to the family and colleagues of a UGI worker who was killed in an explosion in Millersville, Lancaster County, on Sunday, July 2. Additionally, the PUC offered well wishes to workers who were injured during the incident and hopes for a rapid recovery for residents whose homes were damaged.

“We are saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with all of the families who have suffered losses,” said Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “Our focus is on the safety of residents, utility workers and emergency responders, and we are committed to identifying the cause of this incident in order to prevent future tragedies.”

Safety Engineers from the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division have been on-site since shortly after the incident, and the Commission’s team will assist federal counterparts at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in their efforts to determine the cause of the explosion.

The PUC reminded residents of the following natural gas safety tips:

• If you smell natural gas inside a building, get everyone outside immediately.
• Do NOT use phones, switch lights, turn appliances on or off, or take any other action while inside the building.
• Leave the exit door open, if possible, and move to a location where you can no longer smell the odor of gas.
• After you reach a safe location, call your utility gas emergency hotline.
• Call 9-1-1 if you hear or see a natural gas leak.  

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Contact:

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