Deadly explosion in Durham, NC

The 2019 Durham natural gas explosion in downtown Durham, NC, resulted from a breach of a natural gas line during underground drilling for fiber optic cable installation.This breach allowed gas to leak into the 115 N. Duke St. building, eventually igniting and causing the explosion. The incident resulted in two deaths, 25 injuries, and extensive damage to multiple buildings. 

• Cause:The explosion was caused by a breach of a 3/4-inch, 60 psig natural gas distribution line by a horizontal-directional drilling device used for installing fiber optic cable. 
• Sequence:The breach allowed gas to enter the 115 N. Duke St. building, which housed Kaffeinate Coffee. The gas mixed with air and eventually ignited, leading to the explosion. 
• Consequences:The explosion caused the total destruction of the 115 N. Duke St. building and damage to surrounding buildings. It resulted in two deaths and injured 25 people, including nine firefighters. 
• Investigation:State investigators determined the breach was the probable cause of the explosion. 
• Legal Action:Several lawsuits were filed against companies involved in the incident. 

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.