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Jun 23, 2008 5:28 pm US/Central
Residents Nervous As McKinney Gas Project Resumes
McKINNEY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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A series of explosions occurred in McKinney last month after a subcontractor hit a gas line.
KTVT / KTXA
For some residents in a McKinney neighborhood, memories of a gas explosion last month still haunt them. That's why seeing Atmos crews back in their neighborhood, resuming work on a gas line project, made them nervous Monday.
Some residents are so concerned that they are packing up their families and leaving.
During last month's construction a subcontractor hit a gas line and caused several explosions. Two homes were destroyed and three people were critically injured in the blasts.
Work on the gas line project resumed in late May but city officials forced it to stop after a contractor for the city ruptured a second gas line leaving many residents anxious and afraid.
Residents said Monday that seeing work crews in the neighborhood brings back terrible memories. "It's scary to me," explained homeowner Robert Wiggins. "I mean, I seen what happened last time, and you don't think it will happen again? It's the same neighborhood. They're doing the same thing."
Equilla Griffin said seeing the trucks and the crews in the neighborhood were her cue to leave. "It's not safe. I don't feel comfortable in my home anymore. And I want to live a long time, not a short one. So it's better that I leave."
An Atoms spokesperson says this time they are going 'above and beyond' in terms of safety. Crews worked to purge the system of all natural gas and are hooking up compressed natural gas tanks at area homes. An Atmos inspector will also be on-site during the entire project.
Atmos even offered nearby hotel rooms for families who don't want to be in the area during the duration of the project. So far six families have taken the company up on that offer - some others are staying with family members.
Wiggins says he appreciates all the extra effort.
"They are taking a little bit more precaution than they did last time," he said.
The project should be completed by Friday. Two of the victims injured in the May explosions remain in the Intensive Care Unit at Parkland Hospital - a third has been released.
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