SAN ANTONIO — Attorney Michael Lyons said in April 2026 that residents should prioritize safety and investigators should determine the cause of two home explosions that injured five people on Preston Hollow Drive in San Antonio on Tuesday night, as federal authorities prepare to lead the investigation.
Emergency crews transported five people to hospitals after an explosion destroyed one home at about 6 p.m., followed by a second blast that demolished another house two doors away at about 8:20 p.m.
Lyons said his immediate concern focused on the victims, noting that natural gas explosions often cause severe injuries linked to vapor ignition.
He said investigators must preserve evidence to identify whether the source of the explosion came from utility infrastructure or inside the home, adding that rapid demolition of damaged houses can hinder that process.
Lyons said determining the cause remains critical for public safety and accountability.
He said he supports the involvement of the National Transportation Safety Board, citing the agency’s independence in handling evidence collection and analysis.
Drawing on prior cases, Lyons said he has seen concerns about how information is documented and stored and said federal oversight could improve transparency in this investigation.
He advised residents to consider installing combustible gas detectors, explaining that natural gas becomes explosive at concentrations between 5% and 15% in air and requires immediate evacuation when detected.
Lyons said ignition sources can include household equipment such as air conditioner compressors, refrigerator motors, and light switches, and added that gas can migrate underground and accumulate in enclosed areas.
He said records from the Texas Railroad Commission document past pipeline failures, including leaks linked to weld issues.
Lyons also advised affected individuals to review documents carefully before signing and to seek legal guidance when needed.
He said some damaged homes have been cleared within 48 hours of explosions, including instances where demolition equipment arrived while legal action was pending.
CPS Energy said residents who suspect a gas leak should leave immediately and call 210-353-HELP or 911.
The investigation remains ongoing.
