Oklahoma City couple file suit against Oklahoma Natural Gas

April 30--A northwest Oklahoma City couple, whose home had to be demolished after a January natural gas explosion, is suing Oklahoma Natural Gas claiming the utility was negligent.

The early Jan. 2 explosion caused extensive damage to dozens of homes, including Wayne and Darwenia Boyd's house in the 12500 block of Whispering Hollow Drive.

ONG later cited "poor workmanship" as the cause of the explosion after an internal investigation found that a 3 1/2 -inch crack in a polyethylene pipe and a lack of fusion in a weld seam led to the blast.

The couple's suit, filed April 22, alleges ONG was negligent for failing to inspect or maintain the area where the explosion occurred, knowing that failing to do so would likely lead to injuries.

The suit also claims the utility was negligent for failing to warn residents of the danger, failing to remove the dangerous condition and creating a hazard.

The Boyds are seeking actual and punitive damages in excess of $75,000.

Their lawsuit is at least the second resulting from the January blast.

Jonathan Duggan, 29, was asleep inside his home on Whispering Hollow Drive when it exploded. He suffered second- and third-degree burns on his legs.

Duggan is seeking damages in excess of $225,000.

The utility is aware of both suits but does not comment on pending litigation, spokeswoman Cherokee Ballard said Friday, but the company continues to work with residents affected by the blast.

"We were in the neighborhood Monday and Tuesday of this week knocking on doors and talking with people making sure their needs were being met," Ballard said. "We did have a couple of customers who said they had a crack or a broken window and gave them claim forms and our business cards."

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