A new report from the New York State Public Service Commission is accusing Central Hudson Gas and Electric of 15 safety violations that they say allegedly contributed to the November 2023 home explosion in Wappingers Falls, New York.

Back on November 2, 2023, a regular fall afternoon in the Dutchess County Village of Wappingers Falls went from normal to terrifying and tragic in an instant. It was around noon time on Thursday when a loud boom followed by smoke and flames followed a reported explosion in the Village of Wappingers Falls on Thursday.

Wappingers Falls Explosion
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2023 Wappingers Falls Explosion

The deafening boom could be heard from miles away and was followed by an unprecedented response from multiple first responders across Dutchess County. At the time it was unclear what caused the explosion but after a lengthy investigation, NYSPSC has revealed that it was caused by contractors upgrading gas lines in the area. According to reports they accidentally hit an active gas line with heavy equipment which then triggered the explosion minutes later.

Wappingers Falls Explosion
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The explosion destroyed a block of homes, caused evacuations, and injured 15 people in total including 10 civilians and 5 first responders leaving some with burns and others disfigured according to WTEN.

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Central Hudson at Fault?

The NYSPSC alleges in a new order that Central Hudson employees knew about an active gas line in the middle of the street near Brick Row where the contractors were using excavation equipment but didn't notify them that it was active. Not having that knowledge ultimately led to the explosion according to the order which was made on October 16th. The order also asked Central Hudson to explain why it shouldn't be penalized for the explosion.

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Central Hudson Gas & Electric has until around November 15th to provide its explanation.

Central Hudson Response

We reached out to Central Hudson for a comment and its Director of Media Relations Joe Jenkins told us,

"The safety and well-being of our customers and communities will always be Central Hudson’s top priority. We take our responsibility to provide safe and reliable service to our customers very seriously and have fully cooperated with the Department of Public Service as it conducted its investigation into the event in Wappingers Falls last year. We will continue to do so. We will closely review the Commission’s report and provide a comprehensive response to the allegations within the timeline requested by our regulators."

 

How Much Could Central Hudson be Fined?

According to the fine structure cited in the report, if Central Hudson is found to be liable and all of the violations hold up they could face fines totaling more than $3.5 million.

Village of Wappingers Falls Home Explosion November 2, 2023

A loud explosion was followed by a structure completely engulfed in flames on Thursday around Noon.

Gallery Credit: Boris

Visit the Wappingers Falls Skeleton House

A home in the Village of Wappingers Falls has become famous for their spectacular Halloween display.

Gallery Credit: Boris

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