FORT WORTH – A gas leak is suspected to be the cause of Monday’s explosion at a downtown Fort Worth hotel, according to fire officials. This incident is part of a larger trend, as data from the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reveal that there have been 3,138 significant gas leak incidents since 2010, with 390 resulting in explosions. These incidents have had devastating consequences, injuring 725 individuals and claiming the lives of 163 people.
These things happen quite frequently, stated Abe Scarr, director of energy and utility for the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), emphasizing the need for increased attention to the issue. Scarr pointed out that the aging infrastructure in cities across the nation plays a role in these incidents.
In 2018, northwest Dallas witnessed home explosions due to gas leaks, including the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl. After these occurrences, Atmos Energy replaced the old corroded gas lines in the neighborhood with new flexible plastic ones. However, aging gas lines are not solely responsible for such incidents.
Federal data indicates that corrosion and equipment failure account for 20% of major gas leaks, while 80% are caused by external factors. For instance, downtown Dallas experienced an explosion in 2017 when construction crews inadvertently drilled into a gas line, resulting in rupture. Similarly, in 2022, an explosion occurred in Mansfield when a car collided with a natural gas pipeline.
The exact cause of Monday’s explosion in downtown Fort Worth remains unknown, but experts stress that these incidents are not isolated occurrences. I think we will probably see a similar level of accidents into the future, and they could increase if they don’t take the threat seriously and respond appropriately, warned Scarr.
Scarr further suggested that in addition to updating pipeline infrastructure, transitioning to clean energy in homes and businesses would minimize the risk of natural gas fires. This shift towards cleaner alternatives could significantly contribute to preventing future incidents.
It is crucial to address the concerns associated with gas leaks and explosions promptly, given their substantial impact on public safety. By investing in infrastructure updates and embracing cleaner energy options, cities can take a proactive approach towards mitigating the risks associated with natural gas.
