I worked on a compressor station that blew up and I can tell you, gas lines blowing up do a LOT of damage. Yes, there is often a leak before they blow. And no, people often don't smell the gas until it's too late. You get a basement full of fumes that ignites and it's pretty scary. Remember, we're talking fumes, not liquid gasoline. Fumes are far more explosive.
I worked on a compressor station that blew up and I can tell you, gas lines blowing up do a LOT of damage. Yes, there is often a leak before they blow. And no, people often don't smell the gas until it's too late. You get a basement full of fumes that ignites and it's pretty scary. Remember, we're talking fumes, not liquid gasoline. Fumes are far more explosive.