Atmos Energy faces record $1.6M in fines for 2018 Dallas explosion that killed 12-year-old ‘Michellita’ Rogers

DALLAS, TX — Texas regulators have proposed a record $1.6 million in fines against Atmos Energy Corp. for alleged safety violations prior to three gas-related incidents, including a fatal explosion that killed a 12-year-old “Michellita” Rogers.

Note: The above video is from January 2021. 

The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees pipeline safety, found that Dallas-based Atmos Energy failed to adequately detect gas leaks in the days and months prior to the Feb. 23, 2018, fatal explosion in northwest Dallas.

Tragically, the fatal explosion was captured as “Michellita” was shooting video on her cell phone while preparing for a cheerleading competition.

Atmos, which has not responded to WFAA for comment, has until mid-April to either pay or appeal the proposed fines. Since the explosion, Atmos has replaced big sections of pipeline across Dallas.

Dallas Attorney Ted Lyon, who represented “Michellita” Roger’s family in a lawsuit against Atmos, called the Railroad Commission’s proposed fines a “slap in the face” of consumers who buy gas products.

“It’s like charging somebody 25 cents for aggravated murder,” Lyon told WFAA. “It’s ridiculous. You have a multi-billion-dollar company and you’re fining them $1.6 million.”

“It goes to show the industry controls the Railroad Commission in Texas,” Lyon said. “It’s an outrageous action on their part to let them off so lightly.”

The family of “Michellita” settled with Atmos for an undisclosed amount.

The Texas Railroad Commission’s proposed fines comes after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unanimously found Atmos had “inadequate” pipeline management and an “insufficient” leak investigation that contributed to “inaction” in evacuating the northwest Dallas neighborhood.