Charges Filed In Connection With Western PA House Explosion

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry on Wednesday announced criminal charges in connection with the 2018 house explosion in Greene County that severely burned the home's three occupants.

The charges were filed against Equitrans Midstream, one of the nation's largest gas gatherers, and involve the energy company’s alleged failure to fix a natural gas leak that caused the explosion on Bowser Road. Henry said in her office investigated the event and found that a storage well had been leaking gas for years and caused methane contamination of the home's water supply.

The home blew up when Cody White, who was with his son and his girlfriend, turned on the stove to cook a meal for his child.

A grand jury recommended charges under Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law regarding failures to properly maintain a storage well, and for the company failing to conduct an investigation after the explosion.

“Pennsylvanians have a right to feel safe in their homes, without concern for large corporations creating environmental hazards,” Henry said in a statement.

“This brave family has endured significant hardship, suffering physical and emotional injuries, financial stress, and the loss of their family home and cherished personal belongings. Companies have a responsibility to abide by regulations that help maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the communities where they work."

Equitrans Midstream could not immediately be reached for comment on the charges.