FORT WORTH, Texas – A day after an explosion shook downtown Fort Worth, officials are still working to determine the cause of the blast. However, on Tuesday, they announced that the evidence was inconclusive.
Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis stated, “Obviously, there was natural gas involved. We do not know if gas caused the explosion or if the explosion caused the gas problem.” Investigators are now examining every possible gas connection, spraying them with a soap and water mixture to check for leaks.
Mark Goodson, of Goodson Engineering, emphasized the importance of gathering information from witnesses, particularly what they smelled at the time of the explosion. He also mentioned the possibility of the material being harvested and taken to a laboratory for further analysis.
Attorney John Jose, who has experience with similar cases, explained that after determining the cause, investigators will look to establish fault. “It could be an appliance, it could be piping, it could be pipes on the owner’s end of the deal,” said Jose. He highlighted the broad range of people who could potentially be at fault.
Both men noted that the investigation process could take weeks or even months. The emphasis has shifted from ensuring everyone’s safety to preventing a similar incident from happening again.
In an update on Tuesday evening, the Fort Worth fire department revealed that they had not received any calls about people smelling gas before the explosion occurred. Officials and experts urged citizens to report the smell if they ever encounter it. It is important for the community to remain vigilant and report any potential gas leaks to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the cause of the explosion in downtown Fort Worth remains inconclusive. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging the public to report any gas smells to prevent similar incidents.