A 1996 New York City church explosion was caused by work from an unlicensed Con Edison plumber, according to a report from the Queens district attorney’s office.
The Sept. 24, 1996 explosion at the Hyo Shin Bible Presbyterian Church was caused by an improper seal, called a Dresser coupling, which had been improperly placed by an unlicensed plumber on a high pressure gas line in the church basement. Con Edison employees inspected the illegal repair, and then continued gas service to the church.