Lake View, N.Y. (WBEN) - Officials in the Town of Hamburg have determined the cause of a house explosion in Lake View back in May that killed a 78-year-old woman.
A blast at a home on West Lane in Lake View back on May 12 killed Joene Pease, while seriously injuring her 78-year-old husband John Pease.
According to officials, it was a gas leak inside the home, combined with the use of an electric dryer that sparked the explosion.
Several neighboring homes were damaged. Some of them had blown-out windows, while a house next door caught fire and was later demolished.
Officials are urging residents to call 9-1-1 if they smell gas in their homes.
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National Fuel has issued the following statement of the findings:
"National Fuel’s highest priority has always been the safety of our customers, employees, and the broader community. As a company based in Western New York, with employees who live and work across our service territory, this is our home too.
"We understand the impact this incident has had on our community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to all our customers and neighbors who were affected by the recent natural gas incident at a residence in Lake View. Following a thorough investigation into the recent incident, National Fuel fully cooperated with officials from the Town of Hamburg Police Fire Investigation Unit and the New York State Department of Public Service. External investigators determined that National Fuel’s natural gas infrastructure was intact and holding pressure, indicating no leaks or issues with the gas delivery system.
"Prior to the incident, National Fuel did not receive any reports of gas odor from the residence or surrounding neighborhood. As a utility, National Fuel does not own or maintain interior gas piping or appliances within homes. However, when contacted about a potential gas odor, our technicians conduct thorough inspections of both interior and exterior gas lines. If a leak is found, service is shut off immediately and appropriate safety measures are taken.
"We urge all customers: if you smell gas—indoors or outdoors—leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 or National Fuel from a safe distance. Never assume someone else has already reported it. It’s important to note that natural gas is odorless. To help detect leaks, a harmless odorant with a distinctive smell—similar to rotten eggs—is added."