Utility Officials Unearth Crack Suspected in Blast

Utility officials believe a crack in a 12-inch cast-iron natural gas main is to blame for the massive explosion and fire that killed five people last week in Pennsylvania.

UGI CEO John Walsh says crews excavated the cracked pipe Sunday afternoon. It’s suspected of causing the blast that rocked an Allentown neighborhood Wednesday night, sparking an inferno that blazed for hours while crews tried to shut off the supply of gas.

The explosion leveled two houses. A 16-year-old girl and a 4-month-old boy were among those killed.

The damaged pipe will be removed and sent for analysis.

Three other small gas leaks were reported Sunday by crews performing inspections in the area. No residents were evacuated but The Morning Call newspaper reported that some opted to stay elsewhere.