Euphoria over unseasonably warm temperatures in Indianapolis this past weekend was interrupted by a deadly explosion that claimed the lives of two people and damaged dozens of houses.
The explosion occurred last Saturday evening in the Richmond Hills subdivision on the city’s Southside.
The massive explosion blew out windows, collapsed ceilings and shook homes and cars as far as three miles away. More than 200 people have been forced from their homes, although some residents have been allowed to retrieve needed items and reoccupy homes with light damage.
Rita Burris, a spokeswoman for the Indianapolis Fire Department, said a coalition of local, state and federal public safety agencies held a meeting with affected residents at Southport Presbyterian Church to best determine how to meet their needs and offer additional resources.
“We are in the recovery phase now, and the focus of our emergency management efforts has been on helping displaced residents,” Burris said. “For example, we are currently working with mental health professionals to provide counseling to residents, and information has been given about locating lost pets, utilities, re-building, contractors and insurance.”
At press time, the cause of the explosion was still undetermined, although some speculate that it could have been triggered by leaking natural gas.
Earlier this week, it was suggested that the blast was caused by a faulty furnace after a Richmond Hills homeowner, John Shirley, reported that he had noticed a leak coming from a furnace in the house he owns.
Some experts, however, have ruled out that possibility, noting that most furnaces come with a variety of safety mechanisms that make gas leaks, especially those strong enough to level houses – unlikely.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Citizens Energy Group, which provides natural gas to local customers, checked the integrity of a gas main and other lines serving the neighborhood, as well as a gas meter at the home believed to be the starting point for the blast.
On Tuesday, NTSB investigators told local authorities that although it was too early to determine the exact cause of the explosion, natural gas could be a factor.
“Investigators believe natural gas is involved,” said Gary Coons, chief of the Indianapolis Department of Homeland Security. “They are in the process of recovering appliances from destroyed homes to help determine the cause.”
Citizens Energy Group announced that tests indicate there is no evidence of natural gas leaks from its underground facilities
According to the Indiana Gas Association, the use of natural gas by homeowners has risen 20 percent since 1988, with 63 million residences – or about 52 percent of American households – using natural gas for their energy needs.
Advocates of natural gas note that it is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and is a plentiful multi-use energy source.
Mark Steele of the Indiana Gas Association said since natural gas is lighter than air, it will usually rise safely and is dispersed with proper ventilation. In the unlikely instance that an incident does happen, it probably occurs not because natural gas is unsafe but due to lack of knowledge.
“It’s important for people to become educated about natural gas safety and learn how to take the proper steps when there is a leak,” Steele said.
Next week: In an en exclusive interview, the Recorder speaks with a couple believed to be the only African-American survivors of the Richmond Hills explosion.
Natural gas safety tips
Learn all you can about natural gas. The more you know, the safer you will be.
If you detect even a small amount of the odor of natural gas in the air, don’t stay – get away.
Keep the areas around appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to ensure proper ventilation.
Have all appliances, furnaces, vent flues, chimneys and gas lines inspected by a qualified processional every year.
Do not let small children play with or near natural gas appliances or pipes, even the knobs on an oven.
Do not ever store household chemicals or combustible materials near gas appliances.
General heating safety tips
Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
Do not attempt repairs on a furnace yourself. Contact a specialist.
Check the furnace flue pipe and seams. Make sure they are well supported and free of holes. Soot around the seams is an indicator of a leak.
Keep trash and other combustible items away from your heating system.
Be sure to have at least one fire extinguisher in your home or place of business.
Never use your oven or stove for any purpose other than cooking, such as heating your home. It is not only hazardous, but can be a source of toxic fumes.
Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm.
Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family. Be sure all windows can open easily if you plan to use them as emergency exists.
Sources: Indiana Gas Association and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
