Texas Accident & Injury News
Gas leaks can have catastrophic consequences.
Gas Explosions Destroy Two Homes, Injure 5 on the Northeast Side
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, five people were injured, three critically, after two homes exploded due to a suspected natural gas buildup.¹
The explosions happened on Tuesday, April 21st, in a northeast-side neighborhood on Preston Hollow Drive near Thousand Oaks Drive. The first explosion occurred around 6 p.m., critically injuring three people, including one child.
While crews were still responding, a second home exploded around 8 p.m., injuring two more people.
Three of the victims were identified as Wayside Chapel student pastor Tim Nowell, his wife Kim Nowell, a MacArthur High School teacher, and their daughter Ali. The church reported that the family is stable and receiving care, but Ali remains in critical condition.
Between 10 and 20 nearby homes were evacuated, and utilities were shut off as a precaution. A temporary shelter was set up for displaced residents, who are expected to return once the area is cleared.
Fire officials suspect a natural gas buildup caused the explosions. The NTSB has sent crews to investigate.
Did You Know?
A 2018 report from the National Fire Protection Association found that natural gas is involved in approximately 4,200 home structure fires each year in the United States.²
When Can You Recover Compensation After a Natural Gas Explosion?
Explosions like this happen without warning. In seconds, homes can be destroyed, and lives can be changed permanently.
For those injured—and for families forced out of their homes—the impact goes far beyond the initial event. Medical treatment, displacement, and property loss can create long-term challenges.
That leads to an important question: Was this preventable, and who is responsible?
How Natural Gas Explosions Happen
Natural gas is commonly used for heating, cooking, and appliances. When systems are properly installed and maintained, it is generally safe.
The danger begins when gas leaks and collects in an enclosed space.
Once enough gas builds up, a single ignition source can trigger an explosion. That ignition can come from something as routine as:
- Turning on a light switch
- A pilot light
- An electrical spark
- An appliance cycling on
Gas companies add odorants to help detect leaks, but buildup can still occur if a leak goes unnoticed, develops quickly, or travels underground, which causes it to lose that odor.
Who May Be Responsible?
Gas explosion cases are rarely simple. Multiple parties can be involved depending on how the leak occurred.
Responsibility often depends on whether someone failed to properly install, maintain, or repair a gas system. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Utility companies responsible for gas lines and infrastructure
- Contractors or technicians who performed recent work
- Property owners or landlords responsible for maintenance
- Manufacturers of defective appliances or components
Investigations focus on what caused the leak and whether proper safety standards were followed. Findings from agencies like the NTSB often play a key role in determining liability.
Injuries From Gas Explosions Are Often Severe
Gas explosions create a combination of hazards at once—fire, pressure, debris, and smoke.
As a result, injuries are often serious and require immediate medical attention.
Common injuries include:
- Severe burns
- Blast-related trauma (TBIs, internal organ damage, etc.)
- Broken bones
- Lung injuries from smoke or pressure
Recovery often involves multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and extended rehabilitation. Victims of severe burns are also more likely to suffer emotional trauma from the intense pain and potential disfiguration.
What Victims Can Recover
When an explosion is linked to negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full impact of their losses.
This often includes:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Property damage or total loss of a home
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Families forced to evacuate may also recover costs related to temporary housing, lost belongings, and other unexpected expenses.
Injured in a Gas Explosion? Call Shaw.
Do not accept a settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer.
Cases like these are complex. They often involve multiple parties and significant, long-term damages. Insurance companies move quickly to limit payouts—focusing on closing claims, not on your full recovery.
You have the right to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your interests and pursue the full compensation you’re legally entitled to.
Carabin Shaw has been serving San Antonio for over 33 years. If you or your family were injured in a gas explosion anywhere in Texas, Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free consultation.
There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure attached. Just the experienced legal guidance you need when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.