Investigators suspect gas leak in restaurant blast

McALLEN, Texas – Fire investigators suspect a natural gas leak caused an explosion at a restaurant before lunch hour.
All of the 20 employees and customers taken to the hospital after the blast have been treated and released, hospital officials said.
Following the explosion Friday at Palenque Grill, officials at the scene said a gas leak in one of the walls appeared to be the culprit. Fire investigators have ruled out an intentional attack, but it’s too early in the investigation to determine the cause, said Lt. Rene Alaniz of the McAllen Fire Department.
About 30 employees and 10 customers were at the restaurant when the explosion happened, said Palenque manager Horacio Alvarado.
“Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt,” said Alvarado.