Overview:

On March 12, 2014, at approximately 9:30 a.m. EDT, two adjacent five-story buildings located on Park Avenue between East 116th and East 117th Streets in East Harlem, Manhattan, were destroyed by a natural gas-fueled explosion and subsequent fire. The incident resulted in eight fatalities, over 50 injuries, and the displacement of more than 100 families. The explosion also disrupted Metro-North Railroad service due to debris on the tracks.

Key Findings:

• The explosion was caused by a natural gas leak from a defective fusion joint in a gas main.

• Contributing factors included a large hole in a nearby sewer line, which undermined the soil supporting the gas main, leading to its failure.

• A resident reported a gas odor to Con Edison approximately 25 minutes before the explosion; however, the explosion occurred before the crew arrived.

Lessons Learned:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of both gas and sewer lines are critical to prevent soil erosion that can compromise pipeline integrity.

• Prompt Response to Gas Odors: Timely investigation of reported gas odors is essential. Utilities should ensure rapid deployment of crews upon receiving such reports.

• Interagency Coordination: Improved communication between utility companies and city agencies can facilitate quicker responses to infrastructure issues

NTSB Report