JACKSON, Mississippi – Following a recent federal report on home explosions in south Jackson, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner De’Keither Stamps is collaborating with U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson to ensure accountability for all parties involved. Stamps emphasized that the gas line issues extend beyond Jackson and are widespread throughout the state.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings report revealed that Atmos Energy had identified leaks months prior to two home explosions, one of which resulted in the tragic death of an 82-year-old woman named Clara Barbour. Stamps has expressed his determination to hold all responsible parties accountable, working alongside Congressman Bennie Thompson to ensure both federal and state accountability.
In addition to the NTSB’s investigation, the Mississippi Public Service Commission has conducted its own inquiry, although the findings have not been released yet. Stamps highlighted the importance of reviewing the situation comprehensively, considering the involvement of various parties such as Atmos, broadband providers, and the city of Jackson, all of whom bear some degree of responsibility in the matter.
Britt Strottman, a partner attorney with Singleton Schreiber, drew a parallel between the recent Jackson explosions and the 2010 incidents in San Bruno, California. Strottman emphasized the devastating impact on residents when safety is compromised, underscoring the significance of enforcing accountability and penalizing the responsible parties. Strottman also stressed the crucial role of the Mississippi Public Service Commission in issuing binding punishments, hoping that the commission will take a proactive approach in addressing the state’s leak-related practices.
Stamps shared that a bill is in progress within the legislature to increase penalties, as he believes that the current penalties are inadequate. This legislative effort seeks to ensure that utility companies are held to a higher standard of accountability, aiming to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.