Puget Sound Energy (PSE) found two more gas leaks in a north Seattle neighborhood Wednesday, bringing the total to ten. The new leaks were located in the 900 block of NE 117th St. and the 11000 block of 17th Ave. NE.
The discoveries came after a home exploded early Monday morning that sent a husband and wife to the hospital with serious injuries.
A Seattle attorney, David Beninger, who clashed with PSE over its handling of a 2004 gas leak and house explosion that killed a Bellevue woman in 2004, is now questioning PSE’s investigation of gas leaks leading up to the explosion in Pinehurst.
“When you have a gas leak and you know you have a leak, it's not going to heal itself,” said Beringer.
During Sunday's storm, it appears a tree fell into a power line and caused holes in the natural gas pipes. PSE crews went door to door searching for leaks, but stopped short of the area where a home later exploded early Monday morning.
“It was a mistake, because they didn't go far enough and fast enough to ensure the area was safe before they packed up and left for the day," Beninger said.
PSE spokesman Andy Wappler said the utility is still reviewing how it handled the search for leaks on Sunday night.
“We're going to look at everything that happened from Sunday and on in to Monday,” said Wappler. “And if there's something that we need to address, a different practice, that's what we'll do.”
Meantime, PSE crews continue to scour the neighborhood, looking for more gas leaks. But, neighbors like Marsha Major continue to be on edge.
”It makes you wonder if any of us are safe," said Major.
David Ingham, the man who lived in the home that blew up, has been released from the hospital. His wife, Hong Ingham, is still in serious condition.
