Sphere Drake Insurance v. Philadelphia Gas Works

OPINION

CASTILLE, Justice:

The issue on appeal is whether appellant Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation (“PFMC”), a non-profit corporation incorporated by Philadelphia city officials to provide management services for the city-owned Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), is immune from tort liability under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (“Tort Claims Act” or “Act”), 42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 et seq.

On January 25, 1994, Edward and Jacqueline Lord’s Philadelphia residence was damaged in a fire that resulted from a gas explosion. The Lords were insured by appellee, Sphere Drake…