Now to the latest on the explosion that rocked the Heights. Officials have now confirmed the inital explosion came from a leaking propane tank on a pick-up truck. Carolina Garcia explains how many of these types of leaks can be avoided.
Gas distributors tells us that there are families, especially on the outskirts of town that still use propane to cook and warm their homes.
But there are some important safety tips that experts recommend you follow when working with propane gas. Safety precautions start from the moment you take your tank home. Experts recomend to transport your propane tank in an open vehicle, and not in a car.
We spoke to Eloy Garza, Sales and Service Manager of Amerigas.
He says that propane and any tanked gas shoud be kept outdoors.
He said in case gas is escaping from the tank, "Having a tank inside does not allow for the gas to discipate. In that case the propane will sit and wait for an ingnition source to explode."
He said: "One vial of liquid propane can be as powerful as a stick of dynamite."
Once the tank is at set in a safe outdoors place, he says the Raiload Commission of Texas which governs the propane industry mandates the tanks to be certified periodically.
But he says if you are not sure if yours is, you can simply go exchange it at any of their locations.
If you supect your propane tank is not properly sealed, or have any other questions, their webpage: www.amerigas.com has answers to simple questions.
For instance: What should I do if I smell propane gas? Or, How should I dispose of cylinders?
Garza says propane explosions are not common, and referring to Monday's explosion on Meadow and Corpus Christi, he said, "I have worked with propane for 29 years. This is the worst explosion I have seen."
Carolina Garcia Pro8News.
The Railroad Commission of Texas also offers plenty of information on how to work, not only with propane but also with other types of gas tanks.
On their web cite you can find all this valuable information and even attend educational workshops for adults and children.
Reporting from the studio, Carolina Garcia, Pro8News.