Jackson, Mississippi – Congressman Bennie Thompson recently hosted a public briefing inviting federal, state, and local agencies to Greater Mount Olive M.B. Church in order to address the concerns of Jackson residents following natural gas explosions and fires in the city earlier this year.
During the briefing, officials from agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jackson Police Department, Atmos Energy Corp., Mississippi Public Service Commission, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration discussed the ongoing investigation into the incidents. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy emphasized the importance of their mission to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The NTSB launched an investigation in late January after two separate natural gas explosions in Jackson resulted in the death of an elderly resident, Clara Barbour. One of the explosions destroyed Barbour’s home on Bristol Boulevard, while the other occurred at a vacant house on Shalimar Drive, causing a fire that spread to neighboring properties.
Residents expressed their concerns during the briefing, with some questioning the safety protocols in place and the response mechanisms of local authorities. Pastor Larry Weems, who lived near one of the explosion sites, requested reassurance about the safety of his neighborhood, particularly given the proximity of schools and other residences.
Authorities, including Vincent Grizzell from the Jackson Police Department, highlighted their efforts to respond to gas leak reports and work closely with Atmos Energy to address safety concerns. Grizzell acknowledged the need for better training among officers to handle such incidents effectively. Additionally, residents questioned why they should contact local emergency services instead of a dedicated office established by Atmos Energy for such issues.
NTSB officials revealed that Atmos had identified gas leaks near the explosion sites prior to the incidents but had not repaired them. The safety board is currently verifying the reported repair percentages provided by Atmos to ensure the thoroughness of the response. Chairwoman Homendy promised ongoing updates on the investigation process and emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement in addressing safety issues.
As the investigation continues, Jackson residents are calling for improved safety measures and greater accountability from all involved parties to prevent similar incidents in the future. The full report on the cause of the explosions is expected to take months to complete, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded in January.