A resident has filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy Corporation following a deadly natural gas explosion at a Dallas apartment complex that killed three people and injured five others.
The legal action was brought in Dallas County Court on Friday by Onecimo Ponce Mendoza, a resident of The Clyde apartments in the Oak Cliff neighborhood.
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The explosion occurred on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
According to the lawsuit, Mendoza suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation after being trapped inside the burning building.
He worked nights and was home when the blast occurred.
The complaint alleges that Atmos Energy failed to properly monitor conditions despite knowing the extreme risks and did not warn residents about the gas leak danger.
The suit seeks damages for medical expenses, physical impairment, disfigurement, pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Attorney Statement and Company Response
Jesus Garcia, Jr., founding partner at Kherkher Garcia, the law firm representing Mendoza, stated that Atmos Energy is responsible for far too many deaths and injuries year after year.
He said the company routinely fails to conduct safe operations near natural gas, leading to preventable tragedies.
Garcia added that the firm is prepared to aggressively fight for Mendoza and all victims to ensure Atmos Energy is held accountable and to recover maximum damages.
Atmos Energy responded with a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident and gratitude for emergency personnel.
The company confirmed that Dallas Fire-Rescue reported a pipeline leak caused by an unrelated construction crew shortly before the blast.
Company technicians remain at the secured scene to assist emergency management, and natural gas service in the area has been turned off.
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Atmos Energy stated that an investigation is ongoing and the company is cooperating fully with authorities.
Investigation and Community Response
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the disaster. Federal and local agencies are reviewing the site to determine the official cause.
Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball confirmed that overnight search operations concluded Friday morning after all 19 occupied units were accounted for.
He defended the crew's cautious timeline, noting that firefighters had to secure a water supply and wear protective equipment before entering.
More than 100 community members gathered for a vigil outside W. H. Adamson High School to honor the victims.
Local religious organizations and community centers organized relief efforts to distribute food, clothing, and diapers.
Faith leaders pledged long-term assistance to displaced victims. Volunteers reported receiving massive amounts of local donations within hours of opening collection drives.
Donation intake hours will run from 9 a. m.
to 3 p. m.
between June 1 and June 4.
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City officials have coordinated with local hotels to house 10 displaced families without adding financial burden onto the victims.
