More than a year after a devastating explosion ripped through the Rainbow Terrace apartment complex in Cleveland’s South Broadway neighborhood, city officials still cannot pinpoint the exact cause of the blast that killed one resident and injured four others.
Investigation finds gas leak most likely, but no definitive heat source
The city’s fire report, released Monday, lists the official cause as “undetermined.” However, investigators noted that a rapid buildup of natural gas likely reached an explosive concentration before an unknown heat source ignited it, creating a catastrophic explosion and fire.
Two eyewitnesses—a security guard and a maintenance supervisor—reported smelling natural gas shortly before the explosion on June 23, 2025. Enbridge Gas Ohio’s separate investigation concluded that a leak from a “customer‑owned” gas line was the apparent cause, though a meter inspection 21 days prior had found no leaks.
Regulators criticize but find no compliance failures
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) reviewed Enbridge’s findings and criticized the utility’s investigation, noting that its map omitted one gas line and staff failed to detect escaping gas after the incident. Nonetheless, PUCO did not identify any compliance failures that directly led to the explosion and echoed the city’s conclusion that the exact cause of the gas release remains unknown.
Mayor Bibb demands accountability and transparency
Mayor Justin Bibb called the “undetermined” conclusion “deeply frustrating” for himself and the broader community. He emphasized that residents deserve clear answers and pledged continued support from his administration. “You deserve accountability, transparency and our continued support,” Bibb said at a news conference, adding that the city will hold a public meeting on Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Zelma George Recreation Center to discuss the findings and recovery efforts.
At the same conference, longtime resident Kyonna Bell, who lost her husband in the explosion and whose children required surgeries for burns, demanded answers about responsibility. “This baby right here lost his father,” Bell said, holding her child, “but no one says what happened.”
Council members call for answers
Ward 5 Council Member Richard Starr issued a statement affirming that families have “every right to be angry” and urged the Bibb administration to share all known information. Starr asked investigators for further details but declined to speak with reporters after the briefing.
The city’s multi‑part investigation, which included probes by Enbridge Gas Ohio and PUCO, took longer than officials hoped. Nonetheless, Mayor Bibb reiterated that any new information could change the findings and encouraged anyone with additional details to come forward.
Next steps for displaced families
Dozens of families were displaced by the blast and fire. The upcoming public meeting will address ongoing recovery efforts, including temporary housing, financial assistance, and long‑term rebuilding plans for the income‑restricted building.
For those interested in reviewing the full reports, the city has posted the documents from the fire department, Enbridge, and PUCO on its website.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
