Federal prosecutors say a utility company blamed for a series of natural gas explosions in Massachusetts in September of 2018 has agreed to plead guilty to breaking pipeline safety laws and pay a $53 million fine.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston said Wednesday that Columbia Gas of Massachusetts will plead guilty to violating the Pipeline Safety Act following a federal investigation.
The explosions left one person dead, injured more than 20, damaged more than 130 buildings, and destroyed three homes.
The FBI says the company is being held criminally and financially accountable.
The company says that it takes full responsibility for the disaster and that it is focused on enhancing safety and regaining customers' trust.
The company's parent, NiSource Inc., has also agreed to try to sell the company and cease any gas pipeline and gas distribution activities in Massachusetts.
Andrew Lelling, U.S. Attorney for District of Massachusetts, says NiSource also has subsidiaries in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky and Virginia.
Lelling says NiSource has agreed to implement safety recommendations in each of those states.
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