JACKSON, Miss. – A recent report has revealed that gas leaks were detected months before a series of devastating gas-fueled home explosions and fires in a South Jackson neighborhood. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that Atmos identified and classified leaks on their distribution system near Bristol Boulevard and Shalimar Drive in November and December, long before a home exploded and caught fire on January 24, resulting in the tragic death of 82-year-old Clara Barbour. Just a few days later, on January 27, another explosion occurred at a home on Shalimar Drive, less than a mile away from Bristol Boulevard. The fire from that blast spread to a neighboring home, causing destruction to both properties.
In response to the preliminary findings, Atmos Energy Corporation’s Bobby Morgan released a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation and emphasizing the company’s highest priority of ensuring the safety of their customers, employees, and communities. Meanwhile, Rep. Bennie Thompson has formally requested an in-person briefing to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the alarming natural gas explosions and to determine whether they could have been prevented. The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, with a focus on how the company assesses gas leaks, responds to complaints, and determines the criteria for repairing those leaks.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba expressed a need for clear communication and rebuilding trust within the community in response to the ongoing investigations. “I think there’s a lot of work going forward in the coming days not only to communicate where we are presently but to re-establish what may be some lost trust in the community,” said Lumumba. The Public Service Commission is also conducting its own investigation, although the findings from their investigation have not yet been released.
The safety and well-being of the affected communities remain paramount, and the potential risks posed by natural gas cannot be understated. It is imperative that all necessary measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. As the investigations continue, it is crucial for the authorities and companies involved to prioritize transparency and accountability for the safety of the residents in the South Jackson neighborhood.