JACKSON, Miss. – Federal authorities have accused a natural gas distribution company of being aware of a gas leak prior to two home explosions in Jackson, one of which resulted in the death of an elderly woman.
The National Transportation Safety Board has reported that Atmos Energy, the gas service provider for both locations where the explosions occurred, had identified and categorized leaks on their distribution system near the two homes.
The first explosion occurred on January 24 at 185 Bristol Boulevard, claiming the life of 82-year-old Clara Barbour. Just three days later, a second explosion took place at 1146 Shalimar Drive, less than a mile from the first location. Although the fire caused by the explosion spread to a neighboring home, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
Atmos Energy had discovered a leak near the Bristol Boulevard location on November 11, 2023, and classified it as a grade-2 leak, indicating that it was nonhazardous but would need repair in the future. The leak closest to the second location was found on December 1, 2023, and was classified as a grade-3 leak, also non-hazardous. Neither leak was fixed before the explosions, according to federal officials.
In response to the explosions, Congressman Bennie Thompson has requested an in-person briefing to thoroughly examine the circumstances and determine whether they could have been prevented. He emphasized the importance of taking these incidents seriously and ensuring necessary measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incidents and Atmos Energy’s leak detection methods are currently under investigation by federal authorities. The safety and well-being of the community are at the forefront of this investigation as the potential risks posed by natural gas cannot be understated.