CARROLLTON, Texas – A natural gas explosion in Carrollton is suspected to have been caused by a lit cigarette, according to the fire department. The blast occurred early in the morning, leading to the hospitalization of one resident and the temporary evacuation of several homes in the neighborhood off Belt Line Road.
Atmos Energy trucks were seen in the neighborhood as technicians worked to restore service following the explosion. The natural gas distributor lifted the precautionary evacuation but neighbors expressed concern about the lack of communication and the potential threat of ongoing gas line issues.
Carrollton Fire Chief Michael Thompson stated that an underground gas leak seeped into the home’s sewer pipe and built up in a bathroom, leading to the explosion. The resident lighting a cigarette at 3:45 a.m. ignited the blast, and while the victim was hospitalized, there were no reports of foul play involved.
According to Thompson, there were six people inside the house at the time of the explosion, but only the male resident who lit the cigarette was injured. The other occupants, including teenagers, were unharmed as they were in bedrooms that were not close to the bathroom.
The fire chief assured that the neighborhood is safe and that the explosion was isolated to one house. However, residents like Erika Avalos expressed frustration over the lack of information provided and the worry about the ongoing work being done by Atmos Energy in the neighborhood.
Atmos Energy emphasized the importance of swiftly reporting the smell of gas and provided information about natural gas safety following the incident. However, the lack of a distinct odor in natural gas can make it difficult to detect leaks, especially when filtered through the ground.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of gas safety and the potential dangers that may arise from natural gas leaks, even without the presence of a tell-tale odor. Residents in the affected neighborhood remain concerned about the lack of communication and the potential risks associated with the ongoing gas line repairs.