Natural gas explosions pose a significant risk to public safety, often resulting in devastating damage, injuries, and fatalities. While these incidents are not new, experts increasingly point to insufficient safety regulations as a major contributing factor. Across the U.S., gas pipelines run beneath homes, businesses, and roads, many of which are part of aging infrastructure that lacks modern oversight.
The absence of uniform safety standards, inadequate enforcement of existing regulations, and gaps in communication between utility companies and contractors exacerbate the problem. As natural gas continues to be a critical energy source, the need for stricter safety measures becomes more urgent. Industry experts and regulatory bodies are increasingly calling for improvements to prevent future disasters.
In the guide below, the natural gas explosion attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore how regulatory shortcomings contribute to natural gas explosions, citing recent examples and expert opinions to highlight the pressing need for reform. We will also provide information on how to protect your rights if your family is affected by a natural gas explosion.
Youngstown Natural Gas Explosion Details
On May 28, a calm afternoon in downtown Youngstown was shattered by a natural gas explosion at 47 Central Square. The blast occurred around 2:44 p.m., leading to an urgent response from emergency services. One man was killed, nine others were injured, and nearly 200 residents of the nearby Realty Building were displaced.
The explosion occurred during a city road project, where local construction company GreenHeart had been contracted to remove and relocate utility lines. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, four workers mistakenly cut into a pressurized natural gas line using a reciprocating saw, believing the gas had been turned off. This miscommunication proved deadly, as the resulting gas buildup ignited, causing the explosion.
Rescue efforts were hampered by delays in shutting off the building’s electricity, further complicating the situation. The incident remains under investigation, raising concerns about safety practices in construction and utility work, as well as the potential risks faced by other cities undertaking similar projects. Months later, the effects of the explosion continue to be felt in the community.
A Long History of Explosions, Injuries, and Deaths
Natural gas explosions in both residential and commercial buildings have a long history. According to Richard Kuprewicz, a pipeline regulatory advisor, such explosions are often due to human error and can be catastrophic if gas isn’t properly handled.
“Natural gas, if not respected, can lead to very bad things,”
Kuprewicz noted, stressing that explosions often result from mistakes made by gas operators, their contractors, or third parties.
A leading cause of these explosions is third-party damage, which played a role in the Youngstown blast. Robert Hall, a former NTSB Director, explained that damage to pipelines typically falls into two categories: immediate leaks or long-term issues caused by dents or gouges that go unrepaired for years. Both can lead to disasters if not properly addressed.
These explosions are rarely caused by a single failure. Often, a series of oversights or mistakes leads to catastrophe. For example, the 2018 Dallas explosion, which killed a child, was due to a slow gas leak from decades-old work. Similarly, the East Harlem explosion was linked to both gas operator failures and a neglected city sewer line.
Over the past 20 years, natural gas explosions have caused over $5.5 billion in damage, with the U.S. having more than 2.3 million miles of distribution lines. Many pipelines are decades old, making tracking and maintaining them difficult. Hall pointed out that most pipelines are older than current regulations, making record-keeping and safety oversight an enormous challenge.
Recent Natural Gas Explosions in the United States
Recent natural gas explosions in the U.S. highlight ongoing safety concerns. Over the past few years, numerous incidents have caused billions of dollars in damage and have affected countless lives. Consider the following:
- Deer Park, Texas: A vehicle collided with a natural gas pipeline, triggering an explosion that sent flames hundreds of feet into the air. The accident caused the death of the driver and led to power outages and evacuations in nearby areas.
- Venice, Louisiana: A pipeline worker was killed in an explosion near Venice, Louisiana, further underscoring the risks associated with natural gas pipelines.
- Plum, Pennsylvania: A house explosion caused by a natural gas leak resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
- Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania: Another natural gas explosion leveled a home in the same region.
- Houston, Texas: A gas leak led to a series of explosions that damaged multiple buildings.
- Durham, North Carolina: A gas explosion caused significant damage to a building and injured several people.
- East Harlem, New York City: A gas explosion destroyed two townhouses, killing eight people and injuring dozens.
- Salem Township, Pennsylvania: A natural gas pipeline exploded, injuring a worker and causing evacuations.
Other Notable Incidents
- 2021: Multiple gas explosions occurred in different parts of the country, including California and New York.
- 2018: A gas leak in Dallas, Texas, led to a house explosion that killed a child.
- 2015: Several pipeline explosions occurred in Texas and Louisiana.
These incidents demonstrate the persistent challenges in maintaining and safely operating natural gas infrastructure across the U.S.
Natural Gas Explosion Concerns are Not New
Utility operators maintain maps of their natural gas lines, but these records are not public and may not account for every line, especially older ones dating back to the 1800s. As the U.S. population and infrastructure have expanded, so have utility lines, increasing the risk of accidents.
Pipeline expert Richard Kuprewicz explains that while the concern isn’t new, the growing population and increasing construction activities heighten the risk of third-party damage. This damage is now a leading cause of dangerous gas leaks, especially when telecommunications and other infrastructure projects are done near gas lines.
Because many gas lines predate modern regulations, the risk of accidents due to mistakes or lack of awareness is higher. While states must follow federal safety standards, they can implement stricter rules. However, many states do not take this extra step, leaving potential gaps in safety oversight.
In states like Ohio, excavators and third-party workers aren’t always required to have a license, and there are loopholes in regulations, which can lead to deadly explosions. One such loophole is that certain underground work, like in the Realty building explosion, wasn’t classified as excavation under Ohio law, despite the crew working below ground.
Another issue is communication breakdowns, where workers may not know whether a gas line contains gas, even if it’s identified. Additionally, there is no clear responsibility for gas lines, as ownership can shift between utility companies and property owners, making oversight inconsistent.
Ongoing Concerns over Lax Safety Standards
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has acknowledged that some states still have exemptions to the “call-before-you-dig” requirement, and removing these is a top priority.
A larger problem is the lack of uniform standards for natural gas line construction. As utility companies change hands over time, records are often lost, leading to inconsistencies in how lines are built and maintained. Former NTSB Chair Jim Hall attributes the lack of progress to industry resistance over cost and lack of oversight, leaving citizens unaware of the dangers beneath them.
More stringent safety measures, like gas detectors, better technology, and stricter enforcement, are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
What Individuals and Communities Need to Know about Natural Gas Explosions
Natural gas explosions can have catastrophic consequences, but with the right knowledge, individuals and communities can reduce the risk of harm. Awareness of pipeline locations, early warning signs of leaks, and the importance of safety regulations is essential.
- Pipeline Awareness: Many people are unaware that natural gas pipelines run beneath homes, streets, and businesses. In many cases, these pipelines are part of aging infrastructure, making them more prone to leaks or failures. It’s crucial for homeowners and contractors to use services like “Call 811” before any digging projects to ensure no utility lines are disturbed.
- Signs of Gas Leaks: Natural gas is colorless and odorless, but utility companies add a rotten egg smell to help detect leaks. If you notice this odor, hear hissing sounds, or see dead vegetation near a pipeline, it could indicate a leak. Evacuate immediately and avoid actions that could ignite the gas, like using electrical switches or starting a car.
- Safety Regulations: Communities must advocate for stricter safety standards. Loopholes in regulations, such as exemptions from “Call Before You Dig” laws, increase the risk of explosions. States and local governments have the authority to enact stronger safety measures, but many still allow these exemptions, leaving communities vulnerable.
By understanding the risks and promoting better safety regulations, individuals and communities can help prevent future natural gas explosions.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Natural Gas Explosion
After a natural gas explosion, victims may face devastating injuries, loss, property damage, and emotional trauma. The complexity of these cases often involves multiple parties, including utility companies, contractors, and regulators, making it difficult to determine liability. This is where an experienced attorney can provide crucial assistance.
- Investigating the Cause: One of the first steps an attorney will take is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. This often involves reviewing maintenance records, construction permits, and safety reports to determine whether negligence by a utility company, contractor, or third party played a role. Attorneys may also work with engineering experts to assess whether safety standards were followed.
- Establishing Liability: Determining who is legally responsible for the explosion is crucial for securing compensation. Liability could lie with the gas company for failing to maintain its pipelines, or with contractors for not adhering to safety protocols. An attorney will navigate the complex web of parties involved to ensure those at fault are held accountable.
- Pursuing Compensation: Victims of natural gas explosions may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled attorney can calculate the full extent of damages and negotiate with insurance companies or pursue legal action to ensure clients receive fair compensation.
- Navigating Regulatory Complexities: Natural gas explosions are often linked to regulatory failures. An attorney experienced in these types of cases can leverage their knowledge of federal and state regulations to demonstrate how lapses in oversight contributed to the incident, strengthening the victim’s case.
By working with a knowledgeable attorney, victims can navigate the legal complexities and focus on their recovery, while the attorney fights for justice and fair compensation.
Have Questions about a Natural Gas Explosion Injury?
Have you or a loved one been injured in a natural gas explosion? The aftermath of such a disaster can be overwhelming, with medical bills, property damage, and legal questions piling up. At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the complexity of these cases and are here to help. Our experienced natural gas explosion attorneys will investigate the cause of the explosion, identify the responsible parties, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t face this challenging time alone – let us stand by your side and hold those at fault accountable. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation and get the answers you need. We’re ready to help you rebuild your life after a natural gas explosion injury. Call us now at 713-333-1030, or complete our online form to request more information.
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