Local News

Propane Explosion Rocks Stafford, Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

An explosion in Stafford in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 1, 2016, has been identified by fire investigators as being caused by a propane leak. A tank which was located on a competition barbecue trailer parked inside the building is now the focus of the investigation as preliminary reports indicate that the gas may have been sparked from electricity running to a refrigerator on the same trailer.

Propane Explosion Rocks Stafford

Photo: Facebook/Michael Berry

Thankfully, there are no shifts at 4 a.m. when the blast occurred, and no injuries were reported at Jimerson Underground, where the damage was sustained. Owner Alicia Jimerson identified to ABC13 that during regular business hours, the plant has 75 staff members. Stafford officials are thankful the warehouse is also situated away from any residential areas and believe the explosion was accidental.

Propane Explosion Rocks Stafford

Photo: Facebook/Bottomless Pit BBQ

Owner of the trailer, Mike Trapolino of Bottomless Pit BBQ, said, “We are going to put all our efforts now into trying to still… we will still be at the cookoff,” referring to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cook-off which they’ve participated in for 43 years. Trapolino said the company won’t let this setback keep them from their charitable community efforts. Their hope is that insurance will carry the cost of the trailer replacement, and similarly that Jimerson Underground won’t be adversely affected.