Investigators and attorneys swarmed over the blast site at the Morristown & Township library today, where a trench has been dug to seek clues. But so far, Jersey Central Power & Light has found “no smoking gun” to explain the May 3 basement explosion that severely damaged the historic structure, Mayor Tim Dougherty told the town council tonight.
“This is a full-blown investigation,” said the Mayor, responding to Councilwoman Alison Deeb’s demand for a hearing on the incident.
“I don’t want to take JCP&L’s word on this,” Alison said. “I think we need a hearing on this. This has gone on for 16 years.” She referred to a 1994 explosion at the library.
A swift evacuation by library staffers just before the blast is credited with averting severe injuries or worse. Nancy Bangiola, president of the library board, has said a delay of four minutes would have resulted in “a national tragedy.”
The Mayor said that JCP&L, Public Service Electric & Gas, the state Board of Public Utilities, and some “35 lawyers” are painstakingly sifting through the rubble for evidence. He said he remains in daily contact with JCP&L about the investigation. He said he also plans to follow up with state Sen. Anthony Bucco, who requested the BPU’s involvement.
The library is closed indefinitely as the investigation continues. The building has been deemed structurally unsound.
