Preliminary ruling is natural gas was the cause

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary report on its investigation into the deadly explosion at a West Reading chocolate factory, naming natural gas as the culprit.

The NTSB on Tuesday issued initial findings from its investigation of the March 24 blast at R.M. Palmer Co. that leveled what was known as Building 2 in the first block of South Second Avenue.

The report calls the incident a “natural gas-fueled explosion and fire.” It does not, however, delve into exactly what transpired leading to the blast.

The explosion, which happened just before 5 p.m., killed seven people who were working inside the building. One worker was recovered alive from the rubble.

Three families that lived near the blast site have been displaced.

According to the NTSB report, Palmer employees working in the building just before the explosion said they smelled natural gas. Employees working in an adjacent building that was damaged by the blast reported smelling rotten eggs.

The report points out that natural gas is odorless, so strong-smelling chemicals are added to it to help detect leaks. One such chemical, methanethiol, has a sulfurous odor reminiscent of rotten eggs.

The building had natural gas service through UGI Utilities. The report says that UGI reported that there was no known work going on in the area before the explosion, nor was there a pressure spike in gas usage.

The report said the NTSB’s investigation is ongoing.

“Future investigative activity will focus on review of collected evidence, identifying the source of the explosion and related industry practices and federal regulations,” it reads.

The NTSB has taken the lead in investigating the explosion. Also involved are the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, West Reading Police Department, West Reading Fire Department, the Berks County Fire Marshal, Palmer and UGI.

The report stresses that the information it contains is preliminary and subject to change.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, officials from UGI said it supports the ongoing efforts of the NTSB as it investigates the Palmer explosion.

“We remain focused on providing accurate, timely and comprehensive information to the NTSB to assist them in analyzing and understanding the events of that day,” the statement reads. “We are fully committed to our core values of safety and reliability. Our employees live and work in the greater Reading area and share our heartfelt commitment to supporting the community now and in the future.”

Officials from Palmer also issued a statement Tuesday. It said the company is aware of the NTSB report but that officials can not comment on it.

“Shortly after the explosion, the NTSB asked R.M. Palmer and natural gas provider UGI Utilities to assist as ‘parties’ to this federal investigation,” the statement said. “Because we have been asked to assist in this federal investigation, under applicable federal regulations, we are precluded from commenting on anything related to the ongoing investigation, including any information included in the preliminary report released today or any allegations that may be made in litigation relating to the incident.

“Our employees’ safety and health has always been, and will continue to be, of paramount importance and we extend our heartfelt condolences to those who were impacted by this tragedy.”