WASHINGTON (Nov. 26, 2024) — The National Transportation Safety Board will hold an in-person public board meeting Dec. 10 to determine the probable cause of a fatal natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
The March 24, 2023, explosion occurred when natural gas transported though a UGI Corporation–owned pipeline, leaked into and accumulated in the basement of a candy factory building. The gas ignited, causing an explosion and fire that killed seven Palmer employees, injured 10 people, and destroyed the building. Another Palmer building, as well as an adjacent apartment building, were also severely damaged.
During the meeting the NTSB’s board will vote on the findings, probable cause and recommendations as well as any changes to the draft final report.
Members of the public and the media can attend in person or view a live webcast of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com.
Additional information is included in the public docket for the investigation. The docket includes reports, interview transcripts and other investigative materials.
WHAT: An in-person board meeting on the March 24, 2023, fatal natural gas-fueled building explosion
WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time
WHERE: NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC. The street entrance to the NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center is located on 10th Street, SW, running between D Street and Frontage Road, SW, just below the L'Enfant Plaza Promenade. The boardroom is also accessible from L’Enfant Plaza Metro through the food court.
MEDIA: After clearing security, members of the news media should sign in at the media room, just to the left of the entrance to the boardroom. Media planning to attend should RSVP to [email protected].
LIVE STREAM: A link to the live stream of the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy will take questions from reporters during a media session scheduled to start 30 minutes after the board meeting ends.
To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
