Deloris Gabriel Obituary, Death; – The charred remains of a residence located at the intersection of Avondale Garden and Fourth streets are all that is left following the explosion of 87-year-old Deloris Gabriel’s home on the morning of December 2.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Gabriel perished in the incident, while family members report that five relatives are currently hospitalized with injuries. “I heard the explosion and turned around; my door was still open. I glanced towards my cousin’s house, and it had exploded. We were unable to rescue her,” stated Adrienne Gabriel, a cousin of the victim.
The Sheriff’s Office has not provided any updates regarding the condition of Gabriel’s relatives following the fire, but Adrienne has confirmed that Deloris’ son, daughter, son-in-law, and her two grandchildren, aged four and seven, sustained injuries during the event.
“It is challenging because I am certain they heard the explosion, and to lose a family member in such a manner is an incredibly difficult experience for us,” remarked Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.
Firefighters were initially dispatched to the area at approximately 5:15 a.m. after reports indicated that a concrete truck had ruptured a gas line near a construction site on Avondale Garden and Highway 90.
While firefighters and Atmos Energy personnel were on-site attempting to secure the leak, the Sheriff’s Office reported that Gabriel’s home erupted in flames around 6:30 a.m. “It is not a common occurrence for a home to explode,” noted Don Robertson, Director of the Jefferson Parish Fire Service.
Robertson indicated that local fire investigators, along with the State Fire Marshal, are currently examining the cause of the explosion and the subsequent fire. In the interim, he emphasized that this incident serves as a somber reminder of the necessary actions to take upon detecting the smell of natural gas. “If you detect the odor of natural gas, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 to alert the professionals,” Robertson advised.
