About 6:45 p.m. on June 9, 1994, a 2-inch-diameter steel gas service line that had been exposed during excavation separated at a compression coupling about 5 feet from the north wall of John T. Gross Towers, and eight-story retirement home operated by the Allentown Housing Authorrity at Allentown, Pennsylvania. The failed UGI Utilities, Inc., serve line released natural has at 55 psig pressure, and the excepting gas flowers underground to Gross Towers.