The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) officials is blaming a pocket of methane gas for causing an explosion that led to the death of a water tank worker at Salem Lutheran Church on Aug. 16.

“The man was cutting on the top of the tank to provide ventilation,” Lt. Chad Shaw, of HCFMO, said. “The tank was about three-quarters full of water but there was a build-up of combustible vapors above the water.”

“Sparks or a flame caused by the cutting ignited the vapors, causing the explosion.”

The Rosehill and Tomball fire departments responded to the scene, along with the Harris County Hazardous Material Response Team.

“The best we can guess is that it was a pocket of methane gas,” Rosehill Fire Department, Public Information Officer Lee Sulecki said.

Sulecki went on to say that the Hazmat team was called out following the explosion due to the possibility of a chlorine release. The team found no evidence of a release and left the scene shortly after.

“Hazmat indicated that there was no chlorine leak and only responded for precaution,” Shaw said. “No one else was injured or in danger.”

“Today is a very sad day with the tragic loss of life,” Salem Lutheran’s executive Pastor Tim Niekerk said. “First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the deceased. We are in touch with his family now to offer our full support and assistance.”

As of press time last week, the HCFMO had not yet released the name of the victim. Repeated attempts to verify the man’s identity by the Tribune were unsuccessful.

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