The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a report confirming that the deadly explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, in March, was due to a natural gas leak. The explosion caused the loss of one life and injured 11 people. The blast was also responsible for significant damage to Building 1 and the destruction of Building 2, which reportedly displaced three families from an adjacent apartment building, whose homes were also damaged. The factory was a significant employer in the town.
The focus of safety investigators is a natural gas pipeline, which they are attempting to identify as the origin of the explosion. The NTSB probe found that employees of both buildings detected gas smells before the blast. R.M. Palmer Co. has remained silent over the allegations of wrongdoing and the NTSB report.
A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against the company by the family of one of the victims, claiming that the company ignored reports of a gas leak by employees before the disaster. The company denies any negligence. The investigation into the event is ongoing, with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration yet to conclude its inquiry.
Sources report that the fatal explosion resulted from a natural gas-fueled fire, with no indication that it had been deliberately started. UGI Corporation, which supplied gas to the site, reported no sudden increase in usage before the blast.
The tragedy shows that good safety practices and preparedness are vital for all companies. If an appliance is overheating and producing a fishy smell, then it may lead to a fire, so it is best to check the appliance or have it assessed by a professional. If there is a nasty smell like that of animal droppings, then it is best to call pest control experts as it could be a hazard, particularly if the animal droppings contain parasites.
The explosion at R.M. Palmer Co. was a natural gas accident, and workers reported gas smells, but the firm did not act. The NTSB report highlights the importance of safety regulation compliance and prompt action if any potential hazards are identified. Safety is of utmost importance for all businesses, as the minimum safety measures can save lives and avert significant losses.
