JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson neighbors are concerned about their safety following the recent natural gas explosions at two homes.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), visited Jackson on Wednesday, along with U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).

NTSB officials previously said Atmos Energy discovered gas leaks in South Jackson weeks before two homes exploded.

The first explosion happened on January 24, 2024 at a home on Bristol Boulevard. One person died during the incident. The Hinds County coroner said the person is suspected to be Clara Barber, 82.

The second explosion occurred on Shalimar Drive on January 27, 2024, about 0.7 miles southeast of the first explosion. The fire spread to a neighboring home. No fatalities or injuries were reported during the second explosion.

“Natural gas service to the affected homes was provided by Atmos Energy Corporation, and after the accident at both locations, leaks were found on mechanical couplings, subsurface gas was detected between the leaks and the affected residences. These accidents occurred in areas with expansive clay, soil and the week leading up to and the day of each accident, there was light to heavy rain,” explained Ashley Horton, a NTSB investigator.

The NTSB does not investigate every pipeline incident.

“We investigate ones involving a fatality or substantial property damage or significant injury to the environment. But it’s not only us to investigate. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration also investigates this, as does the state and many others,” explained Homendy.