PHOTOS: A state investigation has uncovered 66 alleged safety violations by Cascade Natural Gas following a September 2023 liquefied natural gas (LNG) fire in Toppenish that killed one person and injured another.
According to a news release issued earlier this month by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) Pipeline Safety staff, the commission recommended a $5,668,595 penalty against the Kennewick-based utility.
The incident occurred on Sept. 22, 2023, during an LNG transfer at a temporary fueling site.
According to the staff’s findings, a Southern Pines Trucking driver pulled away from the active transfer too early, resulting in the release of approximately 83 barrels of LNG. The gas formed a vapor cloud that ignited after coming into contact with a nearby ignition source.
The fire led to fatal injuries for 62-year-old Earnest D. Barnett, a contractor on-site who died two days later despite receiving medical care. The other contractor escaped unharmed.
