The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a public board meeting on Tuesday, December 10, to determine the probable cause of the deadly explosion at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The meeting, which starts at 9:30 a.m. ET, will be available to watch live online.
The explosion occurred on March 24, 2023, when natural gas leaked from a UGI Corporation-owned pipeline and accumulated in the basement of the factory. The gas ignited, causing a blast that killed seven employees, injured 10 others, and destroyed the factory building. Nearby buildings, including an apartment complex, also sustained significant damage.
During the meeting, the NTSB will present findings from its investigation, vote on the probable cause, and discuss safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The public can watch the meeting live via webcast at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com, with the link available shortly before the meeting begins. The meeting will also be held in person at the NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center, located at 429 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, D.C. The boardroom is accessible via the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station.
For additional details about the investigation, view the NTSB’s public docket which contains reports, interview transcripts, and other materials. Visit the NTSB preliminary investigation page here.
