According to WFAA, eight people were treated for injuries from the explosion at the Highland Hills Apts located at 5850 Highland Hills Dr, Dallas, TX 75241.
At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, an alleged gas leak instigated the apartment building to explode and catch fire. Firefighters were called earlier around 10:20 a.m. to reports of a gas leak. As they arrived they could smell gas at the gate entrance. Four firefighters were critically injured along with four civilians, all were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Dallas Firefighters are working alongside the crews from the natural gas provider, Atmos Energy, to determine the cause of the gas leak. The building has been deemed and is undergoing an thorough investigation.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam is an experienced gas explosion lawyer in Texas. Anjali represents victims along with their families in civil lawsuits. He recently shared his insight on the legal rights of victims injured during gas explosions.
"Natural gas companies have a legal obligation to maintain a high level of attention in order to prevent injuries from their gas lines and tanks. They must implement regularly scheduled maintenance as well as safety inspections in order to prevent risks of leaks. If gas pipelines are not in optimal working condition or require repairs, leaks may occur. This neglect can cause building explosions that lead to buildings collapsing, causing injuries and death."
"If a victim is injured, or dies, due to a natural gas explosion, they may have sufficient grounds to file a lawsuit against the gas company responsible. The victim's lawyer must prove the explosion was a result of the gas company's negligence. However, determining the cause of a gas leak can be a complicated process, and victims are encouraged to seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer. Events that led to the explosion may determine that more than one party, such as the utility company, could be responsible."