Plano Residents Want Answers After Explosion

People living near an Atmos Energy station are asking why their neighborhood was seemingly targeted

Atmos Energy says one of its top safety officials met with Plano city leaders and members of the fire and police departments on Thursday.

The meeting was called to discuss safety protocol and incident prevention, after a close call earlier this week.

The FBI has now assumed the leading role in the investigation into an explosion that happened near one of Atmos’ stations on Parker Road in Plano on Monday.

A man was taken from the scene of that incident, though agents have not named him or charged him in the case.

On Thursday, the FBI would not confirm whether or not agents have spoken to that man. That man's condition was last listed as critical after Plano police say an explosive device apparently detonated in his hands. Earlier this week, reports suggested the man was unable to speak.

Plano resident Heidi Holguin, who lives about five houses down from the Atmos’ station, are anxiously awaiting updates.

“He’s the only one who has the answers to why, I think,” Holguin said. “Everyone is curious – they want to know why. Why here? What made him choose that gas line?”

Atmos representatives told NBC 5 the station only sustained minor damages and it remains up to code.

The company said they are concerned that possible copycat incidents may happen in the DFW area or other parts of the country, but did not comment when asked if additional extra protection around the area was planned.

In the meantime, neighbors like Holguin say while the investigation progresses, they’re ready to get their lives back to normal.

“I can’t live in fear every day,” she said.

Atmos says it plans to host extra training with local emergency responders within the next few weeks.

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