Four people were hospitalized, two with severe burns, after a home exploded late at night on July 24, 2025, in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Authorities confirmed that the blast was caused by a natural gas explosion, but investigators are still working to identify the exact source of the leak.
The Griffith Fire Department initially responded to reports of a gas odor near the home on Friedberg Church Road at around 9:52 pm. Despite investigating the area, firefighters could not identify the source at the time. Just over two hours later, at 11:58 pm, the home erupted in a massive explosion.
Four individuals were inside at the time. One person was trapped inside the burning and partially collapsed structure, requiring a dangerous rescue by firefighters who administered lifesaving aid before transferring the victim to EMS. That person remains hospitalized with burns to 40% of their body. Another occupant suffered burns to 22% of their body, while two others have since been released. A firefighter was also treated for heat exhaustion and has recovered.
If you or a loved one were affected by this explosion or a similar incident, contact Singleton Schreiber today. Our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
What Causes Gas Explosions Like This, And Who Can Be At Fault?
Natural gas is highly flammable, and even a small leak can have devastating consequences if undetected. In many residential explosions, the gas company, often a utility provider responsible for distribution and maintenance, is a central figure in the investigation.
Leaks can occur due to corroded pipelines, faulty gas meters, improper installation, or damage during construction or landscaping. Utility providers are expected to routinely inspect their infrastructure, respond to reported odors promptly, and take appropriate steps to mitigate risks. In this incident, a gas odor was reported hours before the explosion, raising serious questions about whether the utility company acted quickly and thoroughly enough.
“This is a horrifying situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families,” says Robert Saunooke, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “Gas leaks are dangerous, but they are also preventable. If the utility company failed to detect or address the leak in time, or if their infrastructure was not properly maintained, they may be held accountable under the law.”
In addition to utility companies, other third parties may share responsibility in cases like this. For example, if a contractor damaged a gas line during prior work on or near the property, or if an appliance manufacturer released a defective product, those parties may also be liable. A comprehensive investigation is crucial to uncovering all contributing factors and identifying every entity that may have played a role in the explosion.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Gas Explosions
Victims of residential explosions have the right to pursue legal action if the explosion was caused by negligence. In cases like this, the utility company may be legally responsible if it failed to maintain gas lines, respond appropriately to warnings, or properly train its personnel.
Potential legal claims may include:
- Negligence for failing to prevent or respond to a gas leak
- Premises liability if a property owner or landlord knew about the hazard
- Product liability if an appliance, meter, or pipeline component was defective
Injured victims may seek compensation for:
- Hospital and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering from burn injuries
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
- Long-term disability and disfigurement
- Loss of home and personal property
A full investigation is essential to determine the root cause of the explosion and who may be held legally accountable. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, and a skilled legal team can help pursue claims against all liable entities.
Singleton Schreiber has extensive experience handling complex explosion cases. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a gas explosion, contact us today. We offer compassionate support and aggressive representation to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
