Councilman Marc Whyte shared news that a minor injured in the explosions was out of ICU, but others still remain critical.
Days after two house explosions rocked a Northside neighborhood, injuring five people including a child, residents say they are still searching for answers and struggling to return to normal.
The explosions occurred Tuesday night, April 21, on Preston Hollow Drive near Thousand Oaks Drive. Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board have described the blasts as natural gas-fueled explosions.
In the days since, neighbors say frustration has grown over what they describe as a lack of clear communication and coordination from responding agencies.
“It’s been three or four days since it blew up, and they keep coming around talking to you, but talking is cheap,” said Brian Kidney, who lives yards away from the destroyed homes. He said his backyard remains covered in debris that appears to be insulation. “We need to know if it’s toxic.”
Nearby resident Arnold Solis said his family has temporarily relocated to a short-term rental. Although they have been cleared to return home, he said concerns about safety remain.
“It’s an uneasy feeling right now,” Solis said. “We feel like you’re just kind of fending for yourself.”
City officials say some progress is being made, but acknowledge ongoing concerns. District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte said he met with residents Sunday to address questions about safety and recovery.
“Are they safe to be in their homes? Do these materials floating around the street have the potential to cause harm? I get it,” Whyte said.
According to Whyte, six families have not yet been able to return to their homes. He said efforts are underway to expedite cleanup and ensure residents can safely go back as soon as possible.
Five people were injured in the explosions, including a child. Whyte said the child is no longer in intensive care, calling it a positive development, though others remain in critical condition.
Whyte also acknowledged communication challenges among agencies responding to the incident, attributing some issues to the chaotic nature of the emergency. He said more coordinated efforts are needed moving forward.
To improve communication, Whyte has launched an online Preston Hollow incident update page through his district office website. The page includes information on available resources, including mental health services, utility assistance through CPS Energy, and city support programs.
Councilman Whyte says they will continue working with cleanup crews and utility providers to address ongoing concerns to see how they can help residents.
If you would like to visit the Preston Hollow Incident Page, you can click here.