FIVE INJURED IN TWO NATURAL GAS EXPLOSIONS HOURS APART AT SAN ANTONIO HOMES, OFFICIALS SAY. (PHOTO).

 Five injured in two natural gas explosions hours apart at San Antonio homes, officials say

   Five people were injured after two separate explosions ripped through neighboring homes hours apart in a north San Antonio neighborhood on Tuesday night, prompting an ongoing investigation into a possible natural gas leak and questions about emergency response procedures.

Authorities said the first blast occurred around 6 p.m., followed by a second explosion roughly two hours later at a home just two doors down. Officials said people were inside both residences at the time of the explosions.

A total of five victims, including a child, were transported to hospitals with burn injuries. Officials said a family of three—a local pastor, a high school teacher, and their teenage daughter—were injured in the first explosion and were in stable condition the following day. Of the two people injured in the second blast, one remained in critical condition.

Investigators described both explosions as being fueled by natural gas. A federal safety agency has launched a review into the incidents, including why no evacuation orders were issued before the second explosion occurred.

Fire officials said the second blast was similar in force to the first, causing extensive structural damage and sending debris across the surrounding area. Residents described roofs being blown off and materials scattered into the street.

Neighbors said they did not detect any gas odor after the first explosion and initially believed the area was safe, noting that some residents and firefighters had gathered outside following the initial blast. One neighbor said occupants of the second home briefly returned inside before that residence exploded.

Officials have not determined whether emergency crews could have prevented the second incident, noting that natural gas leaks can be difficult to detect and may not always produce a warning odor.

Following the explosions, utilities were shut off in the area, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Residents have been barred from returning until safety assessments are complete.

The local energy provider said it is continuing to investigate the cause of the explosions as multiple agencies work to determine what led to the twin blasts.