Jackson, Mississippi – In the early hours of January 27, Nathan Lowe was jolted awake by an explosion across the street from his home on Shalimar Drive. As he rushed to check on his children, he discovered shards of glass in their hair. The house opposite had erupted in flames, sending debris soaring and shattering nearby windows.
In the days leading up to the explosion, another home less than a mile away on Bristol Avenue also exploded, resulting in the death of an 82-year-old woman. The South Jackson community was left reeling by these catastrophic events as federal investigators worked to determine the cause.
As 3 On Your Side delved into records on Atmos Energy, it was revealed that the company had accumulated 41 letters of noncompliance from the Mississippi Public Service Commission since 2013. Moreover, Atmos had reported hundreds of open leaks, including more than 960 in 2022 alone.
Residents recounted the terrifying experiences of the explosions, with Lowe’s home being knocked off its foundation by the shockwave. Jesus Garcia, a lawyer representing clients in suits against Atmos, raised concerns about the outdated infrastructure and profit-driven motives of energy companies.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the incidents, citing leaks detected near the explosion sites just weeks prior. Atmos Energy classified these leaks as “Grade 2” and “Grade 3,” yet failed to address them in a timely manner.
At a town hall meeting, federal officials provided updates on the investigation and emphasized the importance of safety recommendations and regulatory action. The NTSB is exploring Atmos’ protocols for leak assessment, odor complaint response, and pipeline maintenance to determine the root cause of the explosions.
NTSB investigators noted similarities between the Jackson explosions and previous incidents in Texas, highlighting the need for stronger safety measures and quicker leak repairs. The community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedies, with residents expressing concerns about the safety of natural gas infrastructure in Mississippi.
Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps and other officials acknowledged the challenges posed by aging pipelines and third-party damage. Efforts to enforce stricter regulations and improve excavation practices were underway to prevent future disasters.
The community’s resilience in the face of adversity underscored the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and accountability in the natural gas industry. As investigations continued and reforms were proposed, the focus remained on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the wake of these devastating events.