PGW Customer Advisory on the 1900 block of W. Bristol Street Incident on June 29, 2025
Posted on: Jul 02, 2025On behalf of Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) entire 1,600-member workforce we want to extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wish peace and comfort to the individuals that sustained injuries, and every resident affected by the events in Nicetown on June 29, 2025. Our thoughts remain with each of them; and we are determined to do everything we can to continue to support this investigation and anyone impacted by this tragic event.
It is anticipated that it will take time for the investigators to conduct a thorough and complete investigation of the indoor explosion on the 1900 block of W. Bristol Street. Without compromising the investigation, we want to provide the public with preliminary information to share the facts we know, respond to questions, and to maintain confidence in the safety of the neighborhood and the safety of its homes.
WHAT WE KNOW:
The public should know that all of PGW’s natural gas service lines and mains on the 1900 block of West Bristol Street are state-of-the-art polyethylene pipelines installed just a decade ago as part of PGW’s ongoing Pipeline Improvement Plan. The upgraded pipelines do not corrode, rust, or rot, and can last up to 100 years.
- Prior to the incident, PGW did not receive any calls reporting gas odors from the vicinity. PGW regularly monitors, inspects, and maintains its entire 6,000-mile system and administers leak response 24/7. We investigate every odor call we receive within an hour.
- When PGW crews arrived on the morning of June 29th they began the work of turning off natural gas service to the immediate area and performing leak surveys of the natural gas mains and service lines on the 1900 block. No natural gas leaks were found, and all the mains and service lines were found to be in good operating condition.
- As we do following any incident, PGW also evaluated and verified the odorant levels in the natural gas serving the area.
WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW YET:
PGW’s control is limited to the infrastructure that ends at the first connection downstream of gas meters (which means the outlet of the meter). Inside piping and appliances belong to property owners. PGW does not have jurisdiction and cannot comment on conditions on the customer side of the meter.
Be assured that PGW will continue to assist the Philadelphia Fire Department in its investigation and support each of the responding agencies as necessary.
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