Commission report faults MGE actions in JJ's blast

The results of an investigation into a restaurant explosion Feb. 19, 2013, in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza criticize Missouri Gas Energy’s emergency response time.

The Missouri Public Service Commission found MGE personnel took too long – about 32 minutes – once they arrived at JJ’s Restaurant to investigate a reported gas leak, according to the Kansas City Business Journal.

The commission report indicates a call was made at 4:55 p.m. to report the gas line damage, and MGE personnel arrived at 5:16 p.m. The explosion occurred at 6:02 p.m., enough time for MGE to investigate and evacuate the building.

The explosion resulted in more than a dozen injuries and the death of server Megan Cramer, who grew up in Springfield and graduated from Parkview High School.

The investigation also found that MGE personnel did not follow other required emergency protocols associated with gas leaks, according to the business journal.
 
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