Gas Leak Eyed In Pueblo Blast That Killed One

PUEBLO – Authorities are trying to determine whether a natural gas leak caused an explosion that leveled a restaurant and a shop in Pueblo Thursday.

One person was killed and at least seven others were injured in the blast Thursday afternoon.

A gas leak was found in the street next to the restaurant but it wasn’t clear whether the pipe was ruptured by the explosion or contributed to it. However, the break was at the joint of a main gas line and a feeder line to another restaurant.

It was about 20 feet from the feeder line to the building that exploded.

At least one witness said she smelled gas after the blast, but fire department spokesman Woody Percival said it’s possible she smelled that gas leak or another one caused by the powerful explosion.

Local, state and federal investigators, including members of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, are meeting today to determine how to proceed with the investigation.

Percival says the ATF is involved because agents have experience investigating large explosions, not because foul play is suspected.