On Monday, July 28, 2025, a gas explosion destroyed several units of the Howdy Manor Apartment complex. As a result of the explosion, two people have died and one other person is fighting for their life. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed 58-year-old William Breyer and 55-year-old Lawrence Lee Stratch Jr. have died from their injuries.
- Cause: Natural gas, but still under investigation.
- Timing: The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on July 28, 2025.
- Location: The explosion occurred at an apartment complex near Country Club and East Benson Highway in Pima County.
- Damage: Several apartment units were destroyed.
- Injuries: William Breyer and Lawrence Lee Stratch Jr. have died from their injuries.
- Impact: The explosion was felt and heard across the city, and many residents were impacted by the damage and the tragic loss of life.
Every year, hundreds of natural gas leaks and explosions put families, homes, and entire neighborhoods at risk.
That’s why the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a formal recommendation:
All states should require natural gas alarms in homes.
Why? Because too many preventable tragedies are happening in silence. And most people don’t realize:
⚠️ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas.
Help Spread the Word
You probably know someone who has gas piping and could benefit from natural gas alarms.
Take 10 seconds to help them stay safe: