JCP&L says gas, not electric, to blame for Morristown library explosion

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The May 3 blast that severely damaged the Morristown & Township Library was caused by a combustible gas unrelated to Jersey Central Power & Light, according to preliminary findings by JCP&L.

The electric utility previously had acknowledged failures of underground cables in a smoking manhole on Miller Road, outside the library, on the morning of the explosion. But Ron Morano of JCP&L issued this statement tonight:

“JCP&L’s preliminary investigation indicates that the May 3 incident at the library was caused by the presence of a combustible gas, which was unrelated to JCP&L’s electrical equipment or activities. The exact cause of the combustible gas is continuing to be investigated by the library, JCP&L, and the other parties involved. We have retained highly qualified, independent experts to further investigate, and we continue to cooperate fully with all the engaged authorities.”

trench at library
Investigators sift for clues to May 3 Morristown library explosion in trench they have dug outside the blast site. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

A spokeswoman for Public Service Electric & Gas, which supplies gas to the library, said she had no immediate information regarding the explosion when asked to comment on JCP&L’s statement.

PSE&G personnel were seen this week outside the library, where a trench was dug by investigators.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilwoman Alison Deeb called for a hearing to grill JCP&L about recurrent explosions of manhole covers and the library–which experienced another devastating blast in 1994. Mayor Tim Dougherty said he wanted JCP&L to address every council meeting until such questions are resolved.

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