SAN ANTONIO – Following multiple KSAT requests, CPS Energy is seeking to withhold select details on two North Side homes that exploded and injured five people last month.
In two separate letters to the Texas Attorney General’s Office on May 11 and May 12, the San Antonio-based utility requested the office’s opinion as to whether it can redact internal incident reports, root cause investigations into the blasts, service calls and any gas complaints made at both homes located in the 15000 block of Preston Hollow Drive.
CPS Energy has remained tight-lipped on what happened in the aftermath of the explosions, pointing to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s ongoing investigation.
KSAT has repeatedly requested information about the explosions and what led up to them, but the utility has mostly provided updates on support and relief efforts.
In a separate letter to the Texas Attorney General’s Office on May 18, CPS Energy argues the records are tied to active or anticipated litigation and should be protected from disclosure. The utility also argues that federal regulations prohibit the release of certain confidential information before the NTSB finishes its investigation.
Residents impacted by the explosions have already expressed their desire to take CPS Energy to court.
Timothy Nowell, Kimberly Nowell and their daughter — who were all injured in the first house explosion — filed a lawsuit alleging accusing CPS Energy of negligence on May 8.
Two victims injured in the second explosion, Jose Ochoa and Mayte Terrie Reeves, also accused the utility company of negligence in a joint lawsuit filed last week.
As of Thursday, May 14, a Brooke Army Medical Center spokesperson said that Kimberly Nowell remains in serious condition while Timothy Nowell and Reeves are in fair condition.
Ochoa has since been released from the hospital, the spokesperson said.
More Preston Hollow Drive explosions coverage on KSAT: