Gas Odor Detected at Texas Apartment That Exploded

A Texas Panhandle apartment building that was heavily damaged by a deadly explosion this weekend had problems for months with gas odors at the structure, according to residents.

Saturday’s explosion at the six-unit apartment complex in Borger killed one person. Several others suffered minor injuries. A cause of the explosion was still being determined by investigators. The deceased victim’s name was not immediately released by authorities.

Earlier this year, some of the residents reported the gas smells to city officials and landlord Ramon Venzor, the Amarillo Globe-News reported.

One resident, Misty Warden, said she immediately noticed the strong smell upon moving to the complex in early August, and reported it to city officials and Venzor.

“People would come visit me and they would smell gas coming in the vents of their cars,” she said.

Borger Planning and Zoning Director Kenneth Petr said inspectors checked the property in August after the complaints, and determined work needed to be performed on the sewer system.

Venzor said the sewer work was done and he also performed repair work on gas lines. He denied receiving any recent complaints about odors at the complex.

Borger City Manager Eddie Edwards said he was not aware of any problem being reported after the city’s inspection, and added that he would have to check city records to see if an investigation was ongoing.

Borger is located about 50 miles northeast of Amarillo.