Gas Leak Leads to Evacuation, Hospitalization in North Side Condo

According to a KSAT News report, a major gas leak led to the evacuation of a North Side Condo building in freezing temperatures this morning.

The incident occurred at around 2:45 a.m. at a five-unit condo building on the 7800 Block of Broadway, south of Sunset Road. SAFD arrived and evacuated all units during freezing temperatures as the gas to the building was turned off. Displaced residents all found a place to go, and two people were taken to the hospital in unknown condition. Fire officials reported the source of the gas leak was a gas furnace.

Did You Know?

According to the American Chemical Society, there are an estimated 630,000 gas leaks per year in the United States.

Gas Leak Injuries in San Antonio

Across the country, there are nearly 3 million miles of pipelines pumping gas to homes and businesses. Many people in San Antonio rely on gas in their homes, but that can come with significant risks.

Texas has a higher frequency of gas leak injuries than most states, with 109 incidents resulting in injury or fatality over the past 12 years. Gas leaks can lead to many kinds of injuries and even explosions if they aren’t detected in time.

Injuries Caused by Gas Leaks

The threat of an explosion is not the only way a person can be injured in a gas leak in San Antonio. Other common injuries include:

• Brain Damage,
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning,
• Gastrointestinal Injuries,
• and Asphyxia.

Of course, if the worst happens and a gas leak causes an explosion, injuries can also include:

• Severe Burns,
• Hearing Loss,
• Lacerations,
• Blast Lung,
• and Disfigurement.

Why Do Gas Leaks Happen?

A major gas leak can often be attributed to negligence, such as the improper use of a gas furnace. However, despite regular inspection being mandatory, gas leaks can also be caused by:

• Third-party damage (such as a vehicle damaging a pipeline).
• Erosion damage.
• Excavation damage.
• Faulty equipment or piping.
• Damaged service lines.

Staying Safe in a Gas Leak

Many companies use additives that give the gas a strong-smelling odor to make leak detection easy. If you have gas in your home and start to smell a strong scent of sulfur or rotten eggs, you probably have a gas leak.

If you suspect a gas leak, you need to act quickly to avoid a serious injury.

1. Immediately Evacute the Premises — Without opening a window or using an electronic device (including your phone), get yourself and your family out of the building ASAP.
2. Don’t Get in Your Car — Starting your car may cause an explosion. Walk to a safe distance from the building.
3. Call 9-1-1 — As soon as you are a safe distance from the gas leak, call 9-1-1 to report the emergency.

Even the smallest spark or static electricity can ignite a flame during a gas leak. Do not use any electronic device, including light switches, phones, flashlights, or even doorbells, until you are well away from the leak.

Injured in a Gas Leak in San Antonio? Call Carabin Shaw

Carabin Shaw has represented those injured at work, school, apartments, homes, and condos for 30 years. If you were hurt by a gas leak in San Antonio, call the team that puts their clients first at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat for free, immediate assistance. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.

¹KSAT Report

²American Chemical Association 2020 report

³Silent Threat