Federal authorities are currently investigating two home explosions that occurred in Jackson, Mississippi. The first explosion tragically resulted in the death of an 82-year-old woman, Clara Barbour. The second explosion, which occurred last month, caused a fire that destroyed a neighboring home.
The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report following the incidents. The first explosion took place at 185 Bristol Blvd. in Jackson on Jan. 24 at 8:14 a.m., claiming Barbour's life and injuring another individual. The NTSB reported that a second explosion occurred at 1146 Shalimar Drive on Jan. 27 at 4:34 a.m., approximately 0.7 miles southeast of the first explosion. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries in the second incident, although the fire spread to a neighboring home, resulting in the destruction of all three homes involved in both explosions.
Atmos Energy Corporation provided natural gas to the homes affected by the explosions. The NTSB's preliminary report indicated that the operating pressure of the pipeline was below its maximum operable level, but Atmos had identified 'nonhazardous' leaks in their distribution system near the explosion sites before the incidents occurred. However, these leaks were not repaired at the time.
Atmos conducted post-accident leak inspections at both locations and found leaks on mechanical couplings near the previously identified leaks. Subsurface gas was detected at the leak locations closest to the homes where the explosions took place and near the foundations of adjacent homes.
Residents, including those who temporarily lost gas supply when Atmos initially cut the lines to investigate the issue, met with Atmos officials earlier this month. A more detailed report on the cause of the explosions and any potential safety oversights may take up to 24 months to complete, according to the NTSB.
The investigation into the incidents is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing that it is still in its early stages.
