NTSB Board Meeting - UGI Corporation Natural Gas–Fueled Explosion and Fire

​​​The National Transportation Safety Board held an in-person public board meeting Dec. 10 to determine the probable cause of a fatal natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania.

The March 24, 2023, explosion occurred when natural gas transported though a UGI Corporation–owned pipeline, leaked into and accumulated in the basement of a candy factory building. The gas ignited, causing an explosion and fire that killed seven Palmer employees, injured 10 people, and destroyed the building. Another Palmer building, as well as an adjacent apartment building, were also severely damaged.

During the meeting the NTSB’s board voted on the findings, probable cause and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft final report.

Additional information is included in the public docket​ for the investigation. The docket includes reports, interview transcripts and other investigative materials.
https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/?NTSBNum...

Investigation page
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/P...

00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:39 - Safety Briefing
00:02:49 - Opening Remarks
00:09:07 - Investigative Staff Introductions
00:10:52 - IIC Investigation Overview
00:28:41 - Laboratory Examination and Research
00:36:22 - Pipeline Integrity Management
00:42:02 - Emergency Response
00:53:03 - Public Safety Awareness Programs
00:57:59 - Board Member Questions
04:04:58 - Findings
04:17:11 - Probable Cause
04:30:12 - Recommendations
05:25:00 - Closing Remarks
05:28:25 - Member Chapman Remarks
05:30:15 - Final Remarks