Two house explosions hours apart in a Northeast Side San Antonio neighborhood sent five people to hospitals and prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Explosions Rock Neighborhood

A quiet Northeast Side neighborhood in San Antonio was shattered by two house explosions within a few hours of each other on Wednesday evening. The first explosion occurred shortly after 6:00 PM, followed by a second, more powerful blast just before 8:30 PM, both along Preston Hollow Drive.

Emergency services, including the San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio Fire Department, and CPS Energy, responded quickly, securing the area and beginning to determine the cause of the blasts.

Community Impact and Displacement

Residents experienced a day of uncertainty, with some temporarily allowed to return home while others remained displaced as crews assessed neighborhood safety. Initial findings point to a natural gas buildup as the primary cause, with gas detected in nearby homes.

CPS Energy has confirmed identifying the source of the leak, but the exact location has not been disclosed.

Witness Accounts and Injuries

Neighbor Pete Gonzales described the first explosion as a “sonic boom,” causing his house to vibrate. He rushed to help those affected, witnessing severe burns on several victims.

Tim Nowell, a youth pastor at Wayside Chapel, his wife Kim, a teacher at MacArthur High School, and their teenage daughter, Ali, were among those injured. The family is in stable condition but faces a long recovery. Wayside Chapel and MacArthur High School are providing support.

Two additional individuals were injured in the second explosion.

Investigation and Concerns

The initial all-clear given after the first explosion is now being reviewed, with questions raised about the timing and thoroughness of the assessment. The NTSB’s involvement indicates the seriousness of the incident and the need for a comprehensive, independent investigation.

Legal expert Michael Lyons, with experience in similar cases, suggested deteriorated pipes could be a contributing factor. He criticized some gas companies for a reactive approach, addressing issues only after they become dangerous.

Lyons explained that natural gas concentrations between 5% and 15% mixed with oxygen, even a small ignition source can cause a devastating explosion.

The community awaits further updates as investigators continue their work, hoping for answers and a swift resolution. The incident occurred alongside other emergencies in San Antonio, including a gas explosion on the North Side, a traffic incident, and a shooting.