Two home explosions happened on the Northeast side of San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, April 21. What to know about gas leaks and how it happened.

Two home explosions happened on the Northeast side of San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, April 21. What to know about gas leaks and how it happened.

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Officials have revealed more information regarding what caused two home explosions in San Antonio. Five people were injured in the blasts, which happened on the city’s Northeast side on Tuesday, April 21.

The explosion at 15062 Preston Hollow Drive, near the Hollywood Park area, was reported shortly after 6 p.m., according to the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD).

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San Antonio home explosions cause

District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte wrote in a post on Wednesday, April 22, that CPS Energy has located and capped a gas leak at the site. Whyte’s office could not confirm what caused the leak, saying that information was not available. 

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, CPS Energy said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the explosions. The agency will coordinate any updates through the NTSB.

“Our team has connected with more than two dozen residents, providing information and support,” CPS Energy said. “Impacted customers who need assistance are encouraged to call 210-353-2783.”

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The explosion was upgraded to a structure fire at roughly 7 p.m., per Whyte’s Facebook post. While crews worked to extinguish the blaze, a second explosion happened at 15058 Preston Hollow Drive at about 8 p.m.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, CPS Energy said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the explosions. The agency will coordinate any updates through the NTSB.

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How many were injured in San Antonio home explosions?

Three people were injured in the first explosion, and two people were hurt in the second. 

Max Woliver, director of communications at the District 10 office, says that as of 12:47 p.m. on Wednesday, three are in critical condition. The exact ages and conditions of those hurt are unknown. The San Antonio Fire Department tells MySA that four were adults and one was a minor.

Evacuations after San Antonio home explosions

Approximately 20 homes were evacuated after the explosions, and residents were transported to the Northeast Senior Center at 4135 Thousand Oaks Drive, which was set up as a temporary shelter. Members from the Red Cross, CPS Energy, SAFD, and the City Council District 10 office were at the building on Wednesday morning to provide breakfast and support.

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CPS Energy confirmed to Whyte’s office that it would reimburse displaced residents for hotel costs. Residents in need of assistance should contact the District 10 Office.

“There is extensive property damage to some homes and at least one home will likely have to be demolished,” Woliver said. ” Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured in the explosions.”

MySA reached out to CPS Energy for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

What are the warning signs of a gas leak?

CPS Energy cites on its website that you can recognize a suspected leak through seeing “dense fog, mist or a white cloud, discolored vegetation, bubbling in water, or blowing in dust.” Additionally, you may smell a rotten-egg odor, which is intentionally added to natural gas to alert you to its presence. Sometimes, it can also be heard. It could sound like “hissing, whistling,” or “roaring” per CPS Energy.

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What causes a gas leak in your house?

Stoves, furnaces, water-heater supply lines, and gas space heaters are among the items that can cause a gas leak, according to CPS Energy. The agency adds that a spark from electric items, battery-powered devices, and even static electricity can ignite a gas leak and cause an explosion.

What to do if you smell a gas leak?

Exit your house immediately, CPS Energy says. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off. You should also not use a flashlight or a telephone until away from the vicinity. This is because sparks from these devices could ignite an explosion. Call 911 and  (210) 353-4357 (HELP) from a neighbor’s home as soon as you can, and never try to find the source of the leak yourself.