Two explosions caused by natural gas occurred at separate homes on the same block in north San Antonio Tuesday evening, injuring five people, including a child. The blasts happened about two hours apart, and emergency officials reported significant damage to both residences.
San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto said the first explosion took place around 6 p.m. local time, with the second following near 8 p.m., just two doors down. Residents were inside both homes during the incidents.
“The roof blew, there was sheetrock and insulation across the street,” Frausto described the aftermath of the second explosion. Five victims with burn injuries were transported to local hospitals. A family of three—including a local pastor, a high school teacher, and their teenage daughter—were injured in the first blast and were reported to be in stable condition the following day.
Two people were injured in the second explosion; one is in critical condition, according to San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte. Neighbors recalled no detectable gas smell after the first explosion, and residents of the second home were outside interacting with firefighters before the second blast occurred. One witness reported that these residents returned inside their home shortly before the explosion.
Authorities have shut off gas and power to the affected area and evacuated several nearby homes. Fire Chief Frausto stated that safety concerns prevent residents from returning until the area is secure.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the explosions were fueled by natural gas and announced it will investigate why no evacuations were ordered before the second blast. An NTSB team arrived on site Wednesday evening to begin their inquiry.
CPS Energy, the natural gas provider for the area, is also investigating the incident’s cause.
Why it matters
The back-to-back home explosions highlight the dangers of hidden natural gas leaks and the challenges emergency responders face in detecting them without obvious warning signs such as odor. The NTSB investigation may provide important insights into the response protocols and safety measures needed to prevent similar incidents, as well as improve emergency evacuation decisions in residential gas emergencies.
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