“We had some issues with differing information being given by different agencies to some of the people in the neighborhood,” Councilman Marc Whyte said.
SAN ANTONIO — Several San Antonio city leaders are calling for an investigative session to review emergency response coordination following two home explosions in a north-side neighborhood last week.
District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte is leading the effort, citing concerns about inconsistent communication in the hours after the blasts.
The explosions, which occurred April 21 in the Preston Hollow area, were described by the National Transportation Safety Board as being fueled by natural gas.
“I think the communication can certainly do better,” Whyte said, noting that residents received conflicting information from different agencies as the situation unfolded. “Some of that is going to occur in the hours after with the chaos.”
Whyte said the proposed special session would focus on improving coordination among agencies, ensuring faster and more targeted emergency responses, and establishing clearer leadership during crises.
Residents near the blast sites say the response has been frustrating. Brian Kidney, whose home is located just yards from the destroyed houses, said multiple agencies have contacted him but that action has been slow.
“It doesn’t take four days to put together a plan,” Kidney said, adding that officials should have conducted thorough, house-to-house safety checks more quickly.
Council members Marina Alderete Gavito of District 7 and Teri Castillo of District 5 are also supporting the call for a special session.
Whyte said the meeting would allow the council to identify areas for improvement, set clearer expectations for interagency collaboration, and ensure neighborhoods are safe following emergencies.
“Residents deserve a response system that is ready when it matters most,” Whyte said.