PNG failed to shut off gas lines before 2021 Tyrone house explosion, officials said

TYRONE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A complaint filed Thursday by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) said that their investigation into the 2021 Tyrone house explosion shows that People’s Natural Gas (PNG) failed in their response.

The PUC said the natural gas leak and sequential explosion on July 26, 2021, was caused by a third-party contractor replacing water pipes in Tyrone and struck a gas pipe on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. However, in their filing, they say that PNG failed, on multiple levels, in their emergency response to the situation when the contractor immediately called them.

According to the complaint filed by the PUC, their investigation showed PNG was called 40 minutes before the explosion, two minutes after the contractor smelled gas after hitting a pipe. PNG then proceeded to send someone to the scene, however, those responding failed to take the necessary steps to protect people, property and nature, including shutting off the gas to homes.

PNG allegedly failed to call 911 for emergency services, failed to shut off the gas to homes, and failed to warn or evacuate residents until after the explosion that killed 83-year-old Anna Hunsicker and injured four others, including a PNG employee who was in the basement of Hunsicker’s house (1306 Pennsylvania Avenue), the complaint reads.

The PUC said that PNG failed to follow up on required reports such as a post-incident response review, an estimate on the gas released, the cost of damages, and having responding employees take a drug and alcohol test within 36 hours.

The complaint from the PUC shows they believe PNG should pay an $800,000 civil penalty in addition to making changes to their protocols and training.

PNG responded to the complaint by saying that safety is their top priority and that this tragic events shows the importance of being careful on all projects that involve excavation.

We have received the PUC filing related to the July 26, 2021 home explosion which Peoples’ team is reviewing. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to working with the Commission toward our shared goal of enhancing the safety of our communities and the distribution systems that serve them.

PNG state in a statement

They added that any contractor who wants to dig must do the following:

• Call 811 at least three business days before excavating.
• Use prudent digging techniques when digging around marked gas lines.
• Immediately contact 911 and the utility if there is an odor of gas, or when a line is believed to be damaged.

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The full PUC 62-page complaint can be read below.

PUC Tyrone House Explosion Complaint 7.25.24 by wshannon on Scribd

The explosion destroyed the home at 1306 Pennsylvania Avenue, severely damaged 1308, and caused fire damage at 1310.

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