Investigators find gas utility pipes separated before deadly Mississippi explosions

Federal investigators say two deadly 2024 home explosions in Jackson, Mississippi, happened after shifting clay soil pulled natural gas pipes apart and leaks went unrepaired. The National Transportation Safety Board issued the findings in a report released Thursday. Investigators say both leaks were reported to Atmos Energy weeks earlier, but the utility rated them as low risk. The first blast killed an 82-year-old woman. A second blast and fire three days later destroyed two nearby homes. Investigators say a spongy clay layer caused pipe couplings to pull out. The board says Atmos needs to replace the couplings and says the Dallas-based company needs more scrutiny because of its poor safety record.