A law firm filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy on behalf of Onecimo Ponce Mendoza, a resident of the Dallas apartment complex that exploded after a natural gas pipeline was damaged. Houston-based catastrophic injury law firm Kherkher Garcia, LLP filed the suit on May 29. The complaint alleges th at Mendoza was asleep in his apartment when he was awoken by a loud noise. Exiting his bedroom to investigate, he was met with searing heat and thick smoke, soon realizing the roof had caved in leaving him trapped within a massive fire. It states Ponce Mendoza immediately located his roommate so they could escape together during which he suffered severe burns, smoke inhalation and other serious injuries. The lawsuit claims that Atmos Energy failed to properly monitor conditions in the complex and surrounding properties despite having knowledge of the extreme risks of harm in failing to do so. It also purports that Atmos Energy failed to warn its client and others of the potential danger associated with a natural gas leak or the probability of a leak in their residence. “Atmos Energy is the source of far too many deaths and severe injuries year after year,” said Jesus Garcia, Jr., founding partner at Kherkher Garcia. “Atmos Energy routinely fails to conduct operations in a safe manner consistent with policies and procedures for working at or on a property where natural gas is present which has resulted in countless preventable tragedies. At Clyde Apartments, people lost their lives and so many others are hurt; their lives are forever altered. We are prepared to aggressively fight for Mr. Ponce Mendoza and all victims to ensure that Atmos Energy is held accountable while recovering maximum damages.” Dallas May 29 Oak Cliff neighbors rally with donations after deadly Dallas explosion Dallas May 28 Three killed, including child, in Dallas apartment explosion and fire Dallas May 29 Activist Sylvia Collins among 3 killed in Dallas apartment explosion, family says Dallas May 29 ‘Everyone is devastated,' apartment owner says gas line ruptured during soil sample boring Dallas May 29 All residents accounted for in deadly Dallas apartment building explosion, DFR says NBC 5 reached out to Atmos Energy for a statement after the lawsuit and they said the following: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred yesterday in Oak Cliff. Our hearts go out to the people who were tragically lost, their families, and everyone who has been impacted. We are grateful to the emergency personnel who bravely responded to this call and the support of the City of Dallas and all who have contributed to the response. Yesterday, [May 28] at 12:51 p.m., Dallas Fire Rescue reported to Atmos Energy that a construction company unrelated to Atmos Energy damaged a natural gas pipeline near 409 E. 9th Street. Atmos Energy technicians responded and remain onsite supporting first responders and other emergency management personnel. Natural gas service in the area remains off. An investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to work with authorities as they review the incident.” In a statement on Friday, Geoff Henley, an attorney representing the owner of the Clyde Apartments, said a subcontractor was boring in the area when the gas line was hit. The ruptured line ignited, and the two-story apartment building was consumed by fire. Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed Thursday night that three fatalities had been confirmed and that five others were injured. The NTSB is sending a team of eight investigators to Dallas on Friday to investigate the rupture and gas-fueled explosion. Witnesses to the accident, or anyone with surveillance video or other information relevant to the investigation, are asked to contact the NTSB at [email protected]. ...read more read less