Aurora gas explosion that killed elderly woman may have been caused by construction mishap

We now know what caused the natural gas explosion that killed an elderly woman in Aurora this past Friday could have been caused by a construction mishap from earlier in the day.

Investigators say a crew digging fiber optic cables for Comcast struck natural gas lines, not once, but two times in a 72-hour span.

The second leak could have been the cause of the disaster at The Heather Gardens Retirement Community. Two others were injured and several homes were burned as well.

The investigation is still ongoing and the P.U.C. says it could be weeks before a final report is issued. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

PREVIOUS STORY:

Firefighters in Aurora are battling an explosion/fire around the area of Heather Gardens retirement community Friday.

According to our partners at Denver 7, neighbors reported hearing a loud bang before the flames emerged around 5:30 p.m.

Gas has been shut off in the area as nearby residents that have been impacted were instructed to go to the clubhouse where Red Cross is providing resources.

It is unclear what started the fire at this time, however, Denver 7 reports Laure Bridges, a spokesperson for the Aurora Fire Department, said the fire was “gas fed.”

The Denver Post is reporting that two people were transported to the hospital, including a firefighter whose condition was described as stable. The second person was said to have been sent to the hospital with injuries that are unknown at this time.

The Aurora Fire Department tweeted a media briefing is happening soon. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.