HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The attached video is from a broadcast on Dec. 13, 2022.
The Safety Division of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is continuing its investigation into a December 2022 house explosion and fire in suburban Harrisburg.
On Dec. 13, Safety Division investigators responded to reports of the house explosion and fire along the 3000 block of Crest Road, which completely destroyed one home, damaged several adjacent homes and sent two people to a hospital for treatment.
Both of the injured individuals, a UGI Utilities first responder and the occupant of a neighboring home, were released the same day.
Based on information gathered to date, the Safety Division has determined the following:
- On Dec. 12, 2022, Pronto Plumbing placed an emergency locate ticket with the Pennsylvania One Call system to alert utilities to locate and mark underground lines around 3204 Crest Road.
- UGI Utilities did not locate and mark their line on December 12.
- On December 13, excavation work began and a natural gas service line to 3204 Crest Road was damaged by a backhoe operated by Pronto Plumbing employees.
- A 911 call was placed after the gas line was damaged.
- Approximately 30 minutes later, the home exploded.
- Later that day, utility service was restored to undamaged homes in the area.
The explosion was caught on a neighbor's Ring doorbell camera.
The Safety Division is continuing to explore the circumstances surrounding the incident.