NTSB has released the final report for the 2023 natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
The explosion destroyed the candy factory Building 2 and caused significant structural damage to its adjacent Building 1 and other surrounding structures.
As the result of this investigation, the NTSB issued 18 new safety recommendations and 1 reiterated safety recommendation.
Read the final report: UGI Corporation Natural Gas-Fueled Explosion and Fire
As an additional resource, NTSB published a Safety Alert to the public about the importance of installing natural gas alarms in businesses and homes. Although natural gas is generally a safe source of energy, when a pipeline or natural gas appliance leaks in a facility it is an obvious danger, but danger also exists form leaks outside of a building as the gas can migrate underground and into a building and if reaching dangerous concentrations, the gas can ignite and explode. Natural gas alarms can provide an early warning about the presence of natural gas leaks so that people can evacuate and then notify the gas company or call 911.
Read the Safety Alert: Natural Gas Alarms Save Lives
This report has been added to WinDOT found under NTSB/PHMSA Safety Investigations on the home page of each Code Part.