State investigation: Natural gas fueled Gatesville hospital blast, likely a construction accident
An explosion at Coryell Memorial Hospital in Gatesville that killed three people and injured 13 others in June was caused by natural gas that leaked into a boiler room and adjacent mechanical room, according to an investigation report from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Investigators were unable to isolate a specific ignition source but found several pieces of equipment and other items that could have ignited the gas, according to the report, completed late last month.
“Although the specific ignition source was not identified during the investigation, there was no evidence to suggest that this incident was the result of an intentional act or of natural causes,” the report states. “Evidence tended to suggest that this was a construction accident. The investigation will be closed.”
Michael Bruggman, 44, of Rogers, a Lochridge-Priest employee, died the day of the blast; Filiberto Morales, 36, of Round Rock, a Network Controls employee, died of his injuries two days later; and Wilber Dimas, 30, an electrician, died of his injuries in mid-July. All three were working on a hospital expansion project that started in November 2016.
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https://www.wacotrib.com/news/fire/state-investigation-natural-gas-fueled-gatesville-hospital-blast-likely-a/article_ec57caf1-2650-54be-a5fb-93a545902fa6.html
