Residential Explosion/Gas Leak in The Lawndale / Wayside Area

WHAT: Residential explosion with gas leak

WHEN: December 28, 2021 at 8:59 a.m.

WHERE: 400 block of Forest Hill Blvd. 77011

INJURIES: One civilian transported to the hospital.

PROPERTY SAVED: $130 thousand in estimated property saved.

DAMAGE: $65 thousand in estimated damage.

CAUSE: Possible gas explosion with an ignition source in the first-floor kitchen.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene within four minutes to find a patient walking out of an residence with visible injuries and transported him to the hospital. There was no visible fire or smoke, however, crews could smell natural gas and requested HFD Hazmat and Heavy Rescue to shore up the structure to prevent further collapse. A primary search was conducted with no one found. The nearby structures and exposures were evacuated as a precaution and hazmat investigated a possible gas explosion with an ignition source in the first-floor kitchen. CenterPoint and the City’s Neighborhood and Engineering department were requested. Firefighters from Stations 20, 26, 17, 18, 23, 40, 30, Heavy Rescue 11 and Rescue 42 responded to this incident.