West Reading, Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania utility regulators have been ordered to release inspection records to the National Transportation Safety Board as part of the ongoing investigation into a fatal explosion at a chocolate factory. This ruling by US District Judge Christopher C. Conner comes after a dispute between the federal agency and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding the production of reports for UGI Utilities Inc., a natural gas utility company central to the probe.
The explosion, which occurred on March 24, 2023, at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and extensive damage to the surrounding buildings. Investigators have been examining potential gas leaks as the underlying cause of the tragic blast. Despite attempts by state utility regulators to withhold UGI inspection records under the guise of protecting confidential security information, the federal safety board demanded access to crucial documentation for their investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s efforts to uncover the root causes of the explosion have faced obstacles due to the refusal by Pennsylvania regulators to share essential inspection records. By compelling the release of these records, Judge Conner’s ruling marks a significant development in the investigation into the tragic incident at the chocolate factory in West Reading. Transparency and cooperation between state and federal agencies are crucial in ensuring the thorough examination of all factors contributing to the deadly explosion.
UGI Utilities Inc.’s involvement in the investigation has been a focal point, given its role as the natural gas provider for the affected area. The company’s inspection and maintenance records are vital pieces of evidence that could shed light on any potential safety lapses or deficiencies leading up to the catastrophic explosion. With access to these records now secured, the National Transportation Safety Board can proceed with a more comprehensive analysis to determine the sequence of events that culminated in the deadly blast.