Suit over Western Pennsylvania Fire that Killed 4 Dismissed

A panel of judges has dismissed a lawsuit against a utility company for a western Pennsylvania fire that killed four people.

Two Cambria County judges say Penelec, which cut off service days before the fire, can’t be held liable because a candle caused it. A third judge disagreed, saying a jury should hear the case.

The ruling, filed Wednesday, also dismisses claims against a company that called delinquent customers.

A woman, her grandson and two visitors died in the May 14, 2005, fire in Hastings.

The suit also names the rental property’s owner and a man living there who’s accused of leaving the candle unattended.

Attorneys for the victims’ families say they’ll appeal, but aren’t sure whether the case will proceed against the other defendants.

Topics Lawsuits Pennsylvania