Two house explosions hours apart in a Northeast Side San Antonio neighborhood sent five people to hospitals and prompted an NTSB investigation. Authorities suspect a natural gas leak.
A quiet Northeast Side neighborhood in San Antonio was shattered by two house explosions within a few hours of each other on Wednesday evening, leaving five individuals hospitalized and triggering a comprehensive investigation now involving the National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB ).
The first explosion occurred shortly after 6:00 PM, followed by a second, more powerful blast just before 8:30 PM, both along Preston Hollow Drive. Emergency services, including the San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio Fire Department, and CPS Energy, swiftly responded, cordoning off the area and initiating a meticulous search for the cause.
Residents experienced a day of uncertainty, with some temporarily permitted to return to their homes while others remained displaced as crews worked to assess the safety of the neighborhood. Initial findings suggest a natural gas buildup as the primary culprit, with gas detected in surrounding residences. CPS Energy has confirmed identifying the source of the leak, but details regarding its precise location remain undisclosed. The impact on the community was immediate and deeply felt.
Neighbor Pete Gonzales described the first explosion as a 'sonic boom,' causing his entire house to vibrate. He recounted rushing to assist those affected, witnessing firsthand the severe burns sustained by several victims. Among those injured were Tim Nowell, a youth pastor at Wayside Chapel, his wife Kim, a teacher at MacArthur High School, and their teenage daughter, Ali.
The family is currently in stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery process, prompting an outpouring of support from Wayside Chapel and MacArthur High School. Two additional individuals were injured in the second explosion. The events have understandably instilled fear and anxiety among residents, many of whom are unsure when they can safely return to their homes. Young, a long-time resident, and his wife are currently staying in a hotel, expressing ongoing concerns about the situation.
Another neighbor reported hearing both explosions, describing the second as significantly more intense. The initial all-clear given after the first explosion is now under scrutiny, with questions arising about the timing and thoroughness of the assessment. The investigation is delving into the potential causes of the gas leak, with legal expert Michael Lyons, who has experience with similar cases, suggesting that deteriorated pipes could be a contributing factor.
Lyons criticized some gas companies for adopting a reactive approach, addressing problems only after they escalate into dangerous situations. He explained that when natural gas reaches an explosive concentration – between 5% and 15% mixed with oxygen – even a minor ignition source can trigger a devastating explosion. The NTSB’s involvement signals the seriousness of the incident and the need for a thorough, independent investigation to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences.
While CPS Energy has acknowledged identifying the leak, the lack of specific information regarding its location is fueling speculation and concern among residents. The community awaits further updates as investigators continue their work, hoping for answers and a swift resolution to this unsettling situation.
The incident also comes amidst other news in the San Antonio area, including a reported gas explosion on the North Side, a traffic incident involving a Raba Elementary School staff member, and a shooting north of downtown, highlighting a period of heightened emergency activity in the city
San Antonio Explosion Gas Leak NTSB Preston Hollow Drive
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