PITTSBURGH — State regulators have fined a gas drilling company $25,000 for environmental damage from an explosion that killed two people at a Western Pennsylvania drilling site.

The Department of Environmental Protection issued the fine for Huntley & Huntley today. An oil tank at one of the company's wells exploded July 23, killing two welders working for a subcontractor.

DEP Secretary John Hanger said the blast damaged the well head and resulted in a spill of oil and brine that posed an environmental threat.

In August, the Allegheny County fire marshal found the explosion occurred when the welders ignited flammable fumes from a small amount of oil left in the bottom of the tank.

As part of the settlement, Huntley agreed to help establish a training program for emergency workers who deal with gas well and pipeline incidents.