Watch VideoATF releases cause of Branch Inn explosion
Story By: Ryan Wilson
Source: KOAA
The ATF has determined what caused the blast that leveled the Branch Inn and the boutique next door one week ago. Investigators say it was an accidental natural gas leak that triggered the explosion. The gas apparently built up in the basement of the Branch Inn. Investigators say an appliance or a compressor could have ignited the gas causing that massive and deadly blast.
Surveillance video from Automated Security captured the blast that leveled the Branch Inn and the dust cloud that swept over the street. Downtown Pueblo turned into a chaotic scene as dozens of people called in to 911. People raced to help victims trapped by the blast.
"Ashley's probably still in that building," said one man who apparently knew Ashley Johnson. He was making phone calls, trying to figure out if she was trapped in the rubble. She was, and tragically, she later died from her injuries.
"As I was walking, I just felt the explosion just pummel me and rocks covered me and buried me," victim Nick Stabile said. You can see Stabile just outside the bar in the surveillance video. One second he's fine, the next, he's buried by an enormous amount of rubble and then dust.
"I just remember looking up between bricks and seeing two by fours flying past me and then it just stopped," Stabile said.
Four hours after the initial blast, an amazing scene was captured live on News First. Firefighters pulled 74-year-old Gino Roney pulled out of the wreckage.
Investigators say all of this was caused by a leaking gas pipe, installed 30 years ago, underneath the road in front of Seabel's.
"You know it's a concern and I think every business owner will have the conversation with Xcel and with the fire department, you know please come do another inspection for us," said Rich Lane, the Seabel's owner.
The fire department says the Branch Inn recently filled an outdoor pit with concrete that may have caused the natural gas to get trapped inside the basement.
"We're going to continue to do our due diligence in all of our inspections to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. But as far as being any guarantees and things like that unfortunately this was an unpredictable incident," said Chris Riley, Pueblo Fire Chief.
News First called Xcel Energy to ask about the leaking pipe. A spokesman said they have no comment, except that they're still investigating.
