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.”
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.