The contract drilling company suspected of opening a gas line before JJ’s Restaurant blew up in February will fight OSHA sanctions and fines.
One woman was killed in the explosion at the edge of Country Club Plaza.
The federal accusations are hotly denied by the company suspected of having accidentally opened the gas line.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Heartland Midwest broke rules, "willful violations" leading up to the gas leak and placed the contract driller on a “severe violator” list.