HOUSTON (AP) — An electrical spark likely ignited a gas leak that led to a massive explosion in Houston last week, killing two workers, injuring 20 others and damaging hundreds of buildings, law enforcement officials said Friday.
Highly flammable propylene gas started leaking in the piping connected to a tank inside a warehouse at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing within about 24 hours of the predawn blast, said Fred Malinowski, the local special agent in charge for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sensors could have detected a leak, Malinowski said, but it's unclear whether sensors were in place, operating correctly or able to notify the company of a problem.
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news.
Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
