A San Antonio jury has found CPS Energy guilty of a 2021 natural gas explosion and fire that left two residents with life-altering injuries. The jury’s hand the energy giant a $109 million verdict, marking a significant victory for the victims and their legal team. The Rymers’ case, Robert Rymers and Virginia Rymers v. CPS Energy, No. 2021CI18484, was heard in the 166th District Court in Bexar County.

The devastating incident occurred just before 11 p.m. on May 1, 2021, at a rental property in the Colosseum Heights area of southeast San Antonio. Robert Rymers suffered extensive burns across his body in the explosion, while his mother, Virginia, sustained burn injuries and an air embolism from the blast. Tragically, the explosion and subsequent fire destroyed their home, claiming the lives of their two family dogs.

While both Mr. and Mrs. Rymers survived, the explosion has had a profound and lasting impact. Mr. Rymers is now permanently disabled, and his mother continues to grapple with both the physical and psychological scars of the trauma. The financial toll has been equally devastating, as the Rymers lost everything in the fire.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed a troubling history of problems with the home’s gas system. Originally installed in 1960, the system had experienced multiple failures, leading to meter replacements in 2008 and 2015. In 2020, the property owner had even opted to convert the home to an all-electric system, a fact that underscored the known issues with the gas lines.

The victims’ attorneys at the Dallas-based law firm of Lyons & Simmons, LLP, along with local counsel, argued that CPS Energy’s failure to properly maintain its aging gas infrastructure was the direct cause of the explosion. Attorney Michael Lyons emphasized the utility’s refusal to accept responsibility, stating, “CPS Energy refused to take responsibility despite the fact that both the San Antonio Police Department’s arson team and the San Antonio Fire Department determined the explosion was caused by natural gas.”

Chris Simmons, also of Lyons & Simmons, highlighted the clarity of the investigation, noting, “From the moment first responders arrived on the scene, the fuel source was believed to be natural gas, but the investigation ultimately confirmed it.” He added, “The verdict cannot undo this tragedy, but it serves as an example that our jury system remains the best way for citizens to receive justice.”

The substantial verdict sends a clear signal that utility companies must prioritize infrastructure maintenance and take responsibility for the safety of their customers.