Damaged Gas Pipeline Investigated After Dallas Explosion Kills 3
A damaged Atmos Energy natural gas pipeline is being investigated as a possible factor in a Dallas apartment explosion that killed three people, injured four others and prompted an NTSB investigation.
(P&GJ) — A damaged natural gas pipeline is at the center of an investigation into a deadly explosion and fire that destroyed part of an apartment complex in Dallas, killing at least three people and injuring four others, according to Houston Public Media.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a gas leak near East 9th Street and Patton Avenue on May 28. While firefighters were en route, an explosion occurred at the Oak Cliff apartment complex, prompting a large-scale emergency response and a five-alarm fire.
Authorities confirmed three fatalities, including two women and a child. Four additional people were transported to area hospitals. Search efforts continued as crews worked through debris from the collapsed structure.
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According to Houston Public Media, Atmos Energy said it was informed that a construction crew not affiliated with the utility struck a natural gas pipeline near the site of the incident. The company said gas service was shut off in the immediate area and that crews remained on site assisting emergency responders while the investigation continued.
The explosion drew the attention of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which announced it was dispatching investigators to Dallas. In addition to aviation incidents, the agency investigates major accidents involving natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines.
Dallas Fire-Rescue officials said approximately 120 firefighters responded after the initial gas leak call escalated into a major structure fire. Crews spent hours searching the damaged building and accounting for residents.
As reported by Houston Public Media, emergency officials established a family assistance center and coordinated support services for displaced residents, while local organizations and volunteers provided food, shelter assistance and other resources.
The two-story apartment complex contained 23 units, according to local property records. Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the explosion, and the incident remains under investigation by local, state and federal authorities.