New Report States Excavation Work From 3 Years Prior Caused Deadly Home Explosion in Austin; Slack Davis Sanger Alleges Texas Gas Has a System of Aging & Corroding Pipes Below Central Austin Homes

By Slack Davis Sanger | October 21, 2019

The Texas Railroad Commission released a report on September 17, 2019, regarding the deadly home explosion that occurred in South Austin in October 2018. The report stated that the leaking gas pipe leading to the home of Nicole Burton and boyfriend David Passman was more than 40 years old. The explosion killed Nicole and severely injured David. The report notes that excavation work done in 2015 had damaged the pipe, causing the explosion.

Slack Davis Sanger Explains Problem Lies with Austin’s Old and Corroding Pipes

The attorneys with Slack Davis Sanger, who also represent Passman, disagree. The firm has not found any evidence that the 2015 excavation work caused any damage to the pipe in question, indicating that the problem is much bigger. According to them, the issue lies with Austin’s old and corroding gas pipe infrastructure and continues to pose a significant safety risk to the city’s residents.

Gas Utility Companies Continue to Hide Behind Diversion Tactics

Slack Davis Sanger attorneys want to know why gas utility companies use diversion tactics like this to avoid the realization that the piping system is decaying and needs to be replaced. Texas Gas said in a statement that “this incident was not due to age or lack of care of our system.” They also claimed that safety is its highest priority and that it “routinely monitors and maintains its system using processes that meet or exceed federal, state and local requirements.” However, no details of their system and maintenance process were released. KVUE reported on the debate triggered by the new state report.

Slack Davis Sanger believes that the issue of old and corroding pipes isn’t only affecting Austin but is a nation-wide problem. Most recently a gas explosion killed a fireman in Farmington, Maine. The details and cause behind that explosion remain under investigation.

How to Tell if There Is a Possible Natural Gas Leak

  • If you hear hissing, roaring or a whistling sound near a gas line.
  • If you see a white cloud, or dust cloud near a gas line. You might also see bubbling water near a natural gas pipeline.
  • If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs. Additives are used to give natural gas a very distinct smell.

If you suspect you’ve discovered a natural gas leak, leave the area and avoid doing anything that could create a spark, including using a cell phone or flipping a light switch. Warn others to stay away, and immediately call 911 and your gas provider once you have reached a safe distance from the area.

Slack Davis Sanger Fights for the Victims of Faulty Gas Line Explosions

If you or someone you love has experienced an accident or loss due to a gas line explosion, the experienced attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger can help. Our lawyers are authorities on personal injury and wrongful death cases, and our track record shows that we advocate for resident safety against city and government agencies. You are entitled to receive fair compensation, and we can help secure it for you. Contact us for a free consultation.