Deadly Mississippi Gas Explosions Linked to Separated Utility Pipes

Federal investigators say shifting clay soil caused natural gas leaks that led to two fatal home blasts in Jackson.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:48am

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According to a federal report, separate natural gas explosions in January 2024 that destroyed two homes in Jackson, Mississippi resulted from underground pipes pulling loose from their fittings as spongy clay soil expanded and contracted with rainfall. The National Transportation Safety Board found that the natural gas utility, Atmos Energy Corp., had detected the leaks before the explosions but did not evaluate them as severe enough for quick repair.

Why it matters

The report highlights ongoing safety issues with Atmos Energy's pipeline infrastructure and operations, particularly in areas with expansive clay soils that can cause pipes to disconnect and lead to dangerous gas leaks. The NTSB urged regulators to increase oversight of the company's multistate operations.

The details

Investigators found that in both the January 2024 explosions, gas pipes feeding the homes had pulled loose from their couplings as the Yazoo clay soil expanded and contracted, allowing dangerous levels of gas to build up and trigger the blasts. The first explosion killed an 82-year-old woman, while the second leveled one home and burned a neighboring one, though no one was injured there.

  • The first explosion occurred on January 24, 2024.
  • The second explosion happened three days later on January 27, 2024.

The players

Atmos Energy Corp.

A Dallas-based natural gas utility that distributes gas in several states, including Mississippi, where the deadly explosions occurred.

Clara Barbour

An 82-year-old woman who was killed in the first of the two home explosions.

Johnny Barbour

The husband of Clara Barbour, who was slightly injured in the first explosion.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The federal agency that investigated the deadly gas explosions and released the report detailing the findings.

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What they’re saying

“Safety remains our highest priority. We will work diligently in the coming days and weeks to evaluate the findings as part of our ongoing safety efforts to further our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services.”

— Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy Corp. spokesperson

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board has urged regulators to take a closer look at Atmos Energy's operations and safety practices across its multistate service area.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for natural gas utilities to prioritize pipeline infrastructure maintenance, especially in areas with expansive soils that can cause pipes to disconnect and lead to dangerous leaks. Stronger regulatory oversight and a more proactive approach to safety could help prevent similar disasters in the future.