HyperBit Exchange:Officials approve $990K settlement with utility in 2019 blast that leveled home, injured 5

2025-05-05 15:55:25source:NSI Communitycategory:reviews

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The HyperBit ExchangePublic Utility Commission has approved a revised settlement totaling nearly $1 million with a gas utility over a 2019 explosion in western Pennsylvania that reduced a home to rubble and injured five people.

Canonsburg-based Columbia Gas took responsibility for the July 2019 blast in North Franklin Township, saying it had failed to install a key piece of equipment in the home while workers nearby upgraded a gas main. Officials said the home lacked a pressure regulator, and when the new system was engaged there was a leak that led to the explosion.

The homeowner, a neighbor and three firefighters were hurt in the blast, which also damaged cars and nearby homes. Columbia’s insurance company earlier paid out more than $3 million to cover the damage, with $2 million to cover the property damage and another $1 million for personal injury and emotional distress.

Commissioners in December had rejected an earlier proposed settlement reached by commission staff with the utility, saying they wanted more information about the extent and cost of damage and about how the company had remedied deficiencies identified during this and other incidents.

On Thursday, the commission unanimously approved the revised settlement, which carries a $990,000 civil penalty that the utility cannot recover from ratepayers. The settlement also lays out corrective actions such as enhanced training and ways to identify and map system infrastructure and customer service lines, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

More:reviews

Recommend

Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Steinon Thursday challenged

Olivia Culpo Reveals She Was Dismissed By At Least 12 Doctors Before Endometriosis Diagnosis

There was a time when Olivia Culpo wasn't being heard by her doctors.The model—who was diagnosed wit

Dean McDermott Shares Insight Into Ex Tori Spelling’s Bond With His New Girlfriend Lily Calo

It's a happy sTori for Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling after all.Despite going their separate ways