Gas Company Fined for Deadly Blast
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has now been fined as a result of a 2010 explosion that killed 8 people, according to PG&E fined 1.4B for deadly 2010 gas line blast. The 1.4 billion dollar penalty is a record settlement, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
The 2010 blast occurred because of an aged gas pipeline. It killed 8 people in the San Bruno suburb of San Francisco. The strength of the blast was initially thought to be an earthquake.
PG&E issued this statement: “We have respectfully asked that the commission ensure that the penalty is reasonable and proportionate and takes into consideration the company’s investments and actions to promote safety.”
PG&E was previously fined $635 for the disaster.
A 2011 investigation of this disaster found the “…safety
management of its pipelines overall deficient and ineffective,”
according to the article. There is also a federal indictment on 27 counts
they violated safety requirements, and there’s a count alleging
that PG&E lied to the National Transportation Safety Board during
the San Bruno investigation.
Have you or a loved on been injured as a result of an explosion at your
workplace? Such an injury may mean compensation is available under worker’s
compensation laws. Nate Hansford can help you understand if you have a
case. Contact Nate by phone at 770-922-3660.