SAN ANTONIO — Three victims injured in Tuesday night’s natural gas explosions on the city’s North Side have been identified, as officials confirm the source of a gas leak tied to the blasts and continue investigating what caused the buildup.
The explosions happened Tuesday evening along Preston Hollow Drive near Thousand Oaks Drive, where emergency crews first responded just after 6 p.m. to reports of a house explosion and fire. A second explosion occurred around 8 p.m. while firefighters and media were still on scene.
Five people were hospitalized following the blasts. Among them are Wayside Chapel student pastor Tim Nowell, his wife Kim Nowell, a MacArthur High School teacher, and their daughter Ali. The church said in a statement that the family is “stable and receiving care,” though a hospital spokesperson confirmed Ali remains in critical condition.
“Tim has faithfully served our student ministry for over 17 years and is beloved by our entire church family,” Wayside Chapel said. “We recognize that the road ahead will be long, but we are committed to walking with them.”
MacArthur High School Principal Joaquin Hernandez also confirmed Kim Nowell’s involvement in a message to families.
“One of our teachers and her family were involved in that explosion and they are in the hospital,” he wrote, adding that counselors are available to support students.
San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto said the initial explosion critically injured three people, including a child. Two additional people were hurt in the second blast. At least three of the injuries are considered life-threatening.
Early indications point to a natural gas buildup as the likely cause. District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte said CPS Energy has since identified the source of the leak. Police also confirmed gas was detected in nearby homes, prompting evacuations.
In total, roughly 10 to 20 homes in the area were evacuated, and utilities, including gas and electricity, were shut off as a precaution. A temporary shelter was established at the Northeast Senior Center for displaced residents.
CPS Energy said its Customer Response Unit has been assisting residents impacted by the explosions.
“The CPS Energy Customer Response Unit has been at the Northeast Senior Center today assisting customers in the Preston Hollow subdivision,” the utility said in a statement. “Our team has connected with more than two dozen residents, providing information and support. Impacted customers who need assistance are encouraged to call 210-353-2783.”
Fire officials warn that while natural gas is typically detectable due to a chemical odorant, there are rare but dangerous situations where that warning sign may disappear.
“So any home, any house, neighborhood that has gas supplied in it, we’re all kind of in the same boat,” said Stephen Rustin, a fire shift commander with the San Antonio Fire Department. “They add mercaptan to the gas, and that’s what gives you the ability to smell it, that’s your first warning.”
Rustin said in uncommon but dangerous situations, gas can travel underground and lose that odor.
“That’s the really, really dangerous thing that can happen,” he said.
“Once it’s odorless, our defenses are down. It’s like carbon monoxide, people may not realize it and may not wake up.”
He urged residents to act immediately if they suspect a leak.
“If there is even a hint of the odor, investigate it. Call the fire department, we can come out, use detection equipment, and check if gas is present.”
Residents should leave immediately and call CPS Energy at (210) 353-4357 or 911 if they smell gas.
North Side Gas Explosions Raw Footage
CPS Energy crews worked overnight to secure the area. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to investigate the explosion.
RELATED: Jury issues more than $100 million verdict against CPS Energy in 2021 home gas explosion
Last year, a jury awarded more than $100 million in damages against CPS Energy in connection with a 2021 East Side gas explosion that left two residents with permanent injuries.
