Neighbors impacted by two natural gas explosions in Jackson in 2024 are speaking out after a new federal report revealed the blasts may have been preventable.The report details explosions on Jan. 24, 2024, on Bristol Boulevard, which left one person dead, and another three days later on Shalimar Drive. Investigators found Atmos Energy knew about gas leaks in both areas but classified them as non-hazardous, delaying repairs.For residents, the findings are hitting close to home.“It is very sad. Atmos knew about this, and they could have prevented this, and that caused someone to lose their life,” said Jackson resident Ophelia Woodard. “They should be held liable for it because it was wrong.”Woodard said the Shalimar Drive explosion directly impacted people she knows. Her friend and her husband lived next door to the home that exploded and were forced to relocate after their house was damaged.Other residents say the report has shaken their confidence.“I do have gas by Atmos,” said Gloria Davis.When asked if she feels safe, she responded, “No, I do not.”Davis said the situation highlights the need to take every gas leak seriously, no matter how minor it may seem.“A gas leak is a gas leak,” she said. “Regardless of how severe they may think it is, who’s to say how safe they really are? They need to be addressed immediately.”The National Transportation Safety Board said stronger safety measures could have prevented the explosions and pointed to gaps in pipeline safety and risk management.For neighbors still dealing with the aftermath, the report only adds to their frustration — and their calls for accountability.The agency is urging federal regulators and states to strengthen pipeline safety programs nationwide.
Neighbors impacted by two natural gas explosions in Jackson in 2024 are speaking out after a new federal report revealed the blasts may have been preventable.
The report details explosions on Jan. 24, 2024, on Bristol Boulevard, which left one person dead, and another three days later on Shalimar Drive. Investigators found Atmos Energy knew about gas leaks in both areas but classified them as non-hazardous, delaying repairs.
For residents, the findings are hitting close to home.
“It is very sad. Atmos knew about this, and they could have prevented this, and that caused someone to lose their life,” said Jackson resident Ophelia Woodard. “They should be held liable for it because it was wrong.”
Woodard said the Shalimar Drive explosion directly impacted people she knows. Her friend and her husband lived next door to the home that exploded and were forced to relocate after their house was damaged.
Other residents say the report has shaken their confidence.
“I do have gas by Atmos,” said Gloria Davis.
When asked if she feels safe, she responded, “No, I do not.”
Davis said the situation highlights the need to take every gas leak seriously, no matter how minor it may seem.
“A gas leak is a gas leak,” she said. “Regardless of how severe they may think it is, who’s to say how safe they really are? They need to be addressed immediately.”
The National Transportation Safety Board said stronger safety measures could have prevented the explosions and pointed to gaps in pipeline safety and risk management.
For neighbors still dealing with the aftermath, the report only adds to their frustration — and their calls for accountability.
The agency is urging federal regulators and states to strengthen pipeline safety programs nationwide.