WEST READING, Pa.- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is now taking enforcement action against UGI following the deadly explosion at the R.M. Palmer factory in West Reading that killed seven workers.
The complaint accuses the gas utility of multiple safety violations and is seeking the maximum civil penalty of nearly $2.6 million.
“They released a complaint yesterday that quite frankly was unusual and highly damning,” said Attorney Andrew Duffy.
Duffy represents many of the victims and families impacted by the explosion.
“This complaint essentially says UGI, your inaptitude caused this explosion. You violated federal safety law,” Duffy said.
The explosion happened in March of 2023, when federal investigators say natural gas leaked from a former service line and ignited.
“All they did that day was just show up for work… and then all of a sudden, there was a sense that there was a natural gas smell. And before anybody could get out, the entire building exploded,” Duffy said.
The complaint also outlines concerns about aging gas infrastructure.
“This was an absolutely preventable event that never should have happened,” Duffy said.
UGI says it is reviewing the complaint and will continue cooperating with the investigation.
The case will now move through the PUC’s formal process, as civil lawsuits tied to the explosion continue.