Pennsylvania PUC Seeks Over $2.5 Million Penalty from UGI After Fatal West Reading Chocolate Factory Explosion

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission filed a complaint against UGI Utilities Inc. following a fatal explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in March 2023, seeking over $2.5 million in civil penalties for alleged pipeline safety violations that led to the incident. The explosion resulted in seven fatalities and ten injuries, with property damage estimated at $42 million. UGI faces 27 alleged violations related to natural gas distribution safety and has committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has filed a formal complaint against UGI Utilities Inc. for over $2.5 million in civil penalties related to a March 2023 explosion at the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading, which killed seven workers and injured ten others.

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The explosion, caused by a natural gas leak from a vintage Aldyl-A pipeline, resulted in approximately $42 million in property damage. UGI is accused of 27 violations of state and federal safety regulations, including inadequate risk management for aging pipeline infrastructure. The PUC is seeking corrective actions to enhance pipeline safety oversight.