Headland, AL – Headland- The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office said Thursday the cause of a massive explosion in Headland earlier this year is undetermined. The investigation is now solely in the hands of the Alabama Public Service Commission, according to Public Information Officer Steve Holmes.
“After a lengthy investigation by the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and local officials (we) have been unable to determine a cause. Evidence collected by both the Alabama Public Service Commission and the SFMO may suggest a fuel source, but no conclusions have been reached as to ignition source or cause, Holmes said. He referred additional questions to the P.S.C.
The blast and subsequent fire in early June leveled a home two blocks off the city’s square. The resident survived with burns over about 20 percent of his body. A neighboring business was also destroyed while others sustained damage.
Meanwhile, a source with knowledge of the investigation, but not authorized to speak publicly about it, said numerous gas line violations were identified in the area of the blast. Investigators from state and local agencies as well as those dispatched by at least one attorney combed the site in the days following the blast.
Local investigators told WTVY shortly after the explosion that natural gas likely caused the explosion. Headland Police Chief Mark Jones, in a June 3 press conference, said he could not eliminate gas as the igniter. He described details that seem to indicate a gas-type explosion occurred but said other possibilities couldn’t be eliminated at that time.
Jones said Brandon Wells likely survived because he was standing near the believed point of ignition, the kitchen where he was cooking a bagel. He theorized the force of the explosion traveled toward the outside of the home, away from Wells, sparing his life.
The Southeast Alabama Gas District did not respond to a request for comment regarding this article. However, the week following the explosion, SEAGD spokesperson Shannon Jackson admitted the home once had gas service but it was disconnected at an earlier date. Jones said that occurred between 2009 and 2011.
The executive director of the Public Service Commission confirmed it is now heading the ongoing investigation. In our role of enforcing the applicable Federal safety regulations that govern operators of natural gas pipelines, the APSC is responsible for investigating each significant or reportable incident/accident involving jurisdictional pipeline facilities, Judge John Garner said in an email.
The primary objective of such investigations is to minimize the possibility of recurrence and to institute any enforcement actions that are necessary to rectify noncompliance with the safety standards. However, no final determinations have been rendered regarding the Headland incident at this time as the APSC’s investigation is still ongoing, Garner added.
The commission regulates public utilities including Southeast Alabama Gas District and electrical providers.
Like Holmes, Garner confirms the P.S.C has been part of the investigation process since the explosion. He said the probe will continue for an indefinite period though no additional information will be released until it is completed, if then.
(State Law) mandates that the results of investigations conducted by the APSC (particularly those that are ongoing) are not to be divulged absent a court order, the results of the APSC’s investigation into the Headland incident are not subject to disclosure, Garner said.
The source that revealed the alleged violations said, unless a settlement is reached, multiple lawsuits will be filed against the Gas District. However, it’s not immediately clear when that will occur.
If SEAGD is found to have violated regulations the company would be subject to fines and, in a far less likely scenario, criminal charges could be filed if conspired negligence is found involved.
While Holmes said the State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded its part of the Headland explosion investigation he notes there are many other cases still under review. He urges those with information on any fire, especially arson cases, to call the hotline at 1-800-654-0775